Class 12

READING SKILLS
FACTUAL, DESCRIPTIVE OR LITERARY PASSAGES
Passage 1:
1. Too many parents these days can’t say no. As a result, they find themselves raising
‘children’ who respond greedily to the advertisements aimed right at them. Even
getting what they want doesn’t satisfy some kids; they only want more. Now, a
growing number of psychologists, educators and parents think it’s time to stop the
madness and start teaching kids about what’s really important : values like hard
work, contentment, honesty and compassion. The struggle to set limits has never
been tougher—and the stakes have never been higher. One recent study of adults
who were overindulged as children, paints a discouraging picture of their future :
when given too much too soon, they grow up to be adults who have difficulty
coping with life’s disappointments. They also have distorted sense of entitlement
that gets in the way of success in the work place and in relationships.
2. Psychologists say that parents who overindulge their kids, set them up to be more
vulnerable to future anxiety and depression. Today’s parents themselves raised on
values of thrift and self-sacrifice, grew up in a culture where ‘no’ was a household
word. Today’s kids want much more, partly because there is so much more to
want. The oldest members of this generation were born in the late 1980s, just as
PCs and video games were making their assault’ on the family room. They think
of MP3 players and flat screen TV as essential utilities, and they have developed
strategies to get them. One survey of teenagers found that when they crave for
something new, most expect to ask nine times before their parents give in. By
every measure, parents are shelling out record amounts. In the heat of this buying
blitz, even parents who desperately need to say no find themselves reaching for
their credit cards.
3. Today’s parents aren’t equipped to deal with the problem. Many of them, raised in
the 1960s and 70s, swore they’d act differently from their parents and have closer
relationships with their own children. Many even wear the same designer clothes
as their kids and listen to the same music. And they work more hours; at the end of
a long week, it’s tempting to buy peace with ‘yes’ and not mar precious family
time with conflict. Anxiety about the future is another factor. How do well
intentioned parents say no to all the sports gear and arts and language lessons they
believe will help their kids thrive in an increasingly competitive world? Experts
agree: too much love won’t spoil a child. Too few limits will.
4. What parents need to find, is a balance between the advantages of an affluent
society and the critical life lessons that come from waiting, saving and working
hard to achieve goals. That search for balance has to start early. Children need
limits on their behaviour because they feel better and more secure when they live
within a secured structure.
Older children learn self-control by watching how others, especially parents act.
Learning how to overcome challenges is essential to becoming a successful adult.
Few parents ask kids to do chores. They think their kids are already overburdened
by social and academic pressures. Every individual can be of service to others, and
life has meaning beyond one’s own immediate happiness. That means parents
eager to teach values have to take a long, hard look at their own.
Questions:
A. Choose the most appropriate option: (1 x 4 = 4 marks)
(a) What do the psychologists, educators and parents want to teach the children?
1. To teach them about treachery.

2. To teach them about indiscipline.
3. To teach them about the values of life like hard work, contentment, honesty and
compassion.
4. None of these
(b) What is essential to become a successful adult?
1. Learn not to overcome challenges

2. Learn how to overcome challenges
3. Nothing is essential.
4. None of these
(c) Why do children need limits on their behaviour when they live within a secured
structure?
1. They feel more secure and better.

2. They feel insecure.
3. They feel bored.
4. None of these.
(d) What is the drawback of giving children too much too soon?
1. They fail to cope with life’s disappointments when they grow up.
2. They do not study seriously.
3. They become quarrelsome when they grow up.
4. None of these.
B. Answer the following questions briefly: 1 x 6 = 6
(a) What values do parents and teachers want children to learn?

(b) What are the results of giving the children too much too soon?
(c) Why do today’s children want more?
(d) What is the balance which the parents need to have in today’s world?
(e) What is the necessity to set limits for children?
(f) How do older children learn self-control?
C. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as: 1 x 2 = 2
(a) a feeling of satisfaction (para 1)

(b) valuable (para 3)
Answers:
A.
(a) 3. To teach them about the values of life like hard work, contentment, honesty and
compassion
(b) 2. Learn how to overcome challenges
(c) 1. They feel more secure and better.
(d) 1. They fail to cope with life’s disappointments when they grow up
B.
(a) Parents and teachers want to inculcate the values of life like honesty, hard work and
contentment among children.
(b) When children are given too much too soon, they grow up to be adults who have
difficulty in coping with the disappointments of life. Such children may develop distorted
sense of entitlement that comes in the way of success in the work place and relationships.
(c) Today’s children want much more partly because there is so much more to want. They
crave for something new. They consider even luxurious items as essential commodities.
(d) Parents need to find a balance between the advantages of an affluent society and the
critical lessons of life that come from waiting, saving and working hard to achieve goals
in today’s world.
(e) Children need limits on their behaviours because they feel better and more secure
when they live within a secured structure.
(f) Older children learn self-control by watching how others, especially parents act.
C.
(a) contentment
(b) precious
Passage 2:
SPACE TOURISM
If NSYNC singer Lance Bass can’t afford the $20 million price tag for a ride into space
now, he should try again in, say, a decade.
But within a decade or so, even some of Bass’s fans could afford a quick and safe trip to
the suborbital edge of space — roughly 50-60 miles above earth, says Frank Seitzen, 5
president of the Space Transport Association.
“I think you’re maybe 10 or 12 years away from having companies that are reliable and
that can go through that process for $5,000 or $10,000,” Seitzen said.
There’s a hungry demand from would-be space tourists and a $10 million prize is
inspiring designers. The X Prize, created in 1994 to spur the development of new space
travel 10 technologies, has attracted at least 21 space vehicle designs from people in five
countries. The non-profit X Prize Foundation, founded by a group of donors inspired by
the $25,000 Orteig Prize that Charles Lindbergh won in 1927, will give the prize.
Each design team is hoping to develop the first reusable rocket capable of blasting a pilot
and two to five passengers to a height of 62 miles. NASA awards astronaut status for 15
flights above 50 miles.
Some design contestants boast that such trips will be available by 2005, although the first
few travellers will face $100,000 bills until the market matures.
Despite steep prices and lagging technology, Seitzen and others are convinced that a
lucrative travel business awaits. Space Adventures, a travel agency that helped coordinate
the first 20 tourist trip to the International Space Station last year by US businessman
Dennis Tito, claims it has collected $2 million in deposits from more than 120 would-be
suborbital tourists. For client Wally Funk, who has paid her deposit, suborbital travel is a
disappointing, yet feasible, alternative to decades of trying to reach space. Funk, a retired
aviation safety investigator says, “I would do (a space station trip) in a heartbeat, but I
can’t because I’m 25 not a millionaire.”
Compared to Tito’s groundbreaking effort last year, future suborbital flights look easy.
Tito was subjected to rigid medical requirements and a gruelling six-month training
course in Russia.
But suborbital travellers will need only a few days of training and, pending FAA
approval, 30 would have to pass a much lower bar for medical standards.
“We always say that if you can safely ride a rollercoaster, then you are fit for a suborbital
flight,” says Space Adventures spokeswoman Tereza Predescu.
Four commercial spaceports, which launch rockets into space like airports launch planes,
are already licensed to operate by the FAA in Virginia, California, Alaska and Florida,
and 35 they are eager to welcome extra business from space tourists, negating the need to
catch a ride to Russia.
For those reasons, suborbital travel may represent a $1 billion a year market, according to
Space Adventures President and CEO Eric Anderson. Translated, that’s 10,000 travellers
paying $100,000 each during the first few years of adventure space travel.
Questions:
(a) Space adventure claims that………………….
1. it is a lucrative business
2. it is a business of less profit
3. people don’t want to go to space
4. none of the above
(b) Some design contestants feel convinced that………………….
1. space trips will never be made available

2. space trips are not feasible
3. space trips are disappointing
4. space trips will soon be made available
(c) Tito………………….
1. underwent rigid medical checkups

2. attended a six month training course
3. both (i) and (ii)
(d) Suborbital travellers will need
1. two years training course

2. a few days of training
3. a lot of money
4. none of these
(a) Name the first tourist to the International Space Station. What difficulties did he face?
(b) Why is Lance Bass unable to have a ride into space now? What is likely to happen in
a decade?
(c) Which two factors are inspiring the designers of new space vehicle—the reusable
rocket?
(d) How do you think suborbital tourism is a poor alternative to space travel?
(e) What are the prospects of suborbital travel? Give two examples in support of your
answer.
(f) What are the prerequisites for space travelling?
(a) profitable (lines 15 to 25)

(b) severe, exhausting (lines 25 to 30)
Answers:
A.
(a) 1. it is a lucrative business

(b) 4. space trips will soon be made available
(c) 3. both (i) and (ii)
(d) 2. a few days of training
B.
(a) US businessman Dennis Tito was the first tourist to the International Space Station.
Tito had to undergo rigid medical requirements and a severe six month training course in
Russia.
(b) Lance Bass can’t afford $20 million for a space ride right now. In a decade, the fare
for a space traveller is likely to come down to $10,000 or even $5,000.
(c) (i) a hungry demand from would-be space tourists
(ii) a $10 million prize to the designers
(d) Travellers to space go beyond the orbit of the earth and reach the orbit of the moon.
On the other hand, the suborbital tourist will travel in a rocket upto the International
Space Station only. Space travel is not possible for everyone, but suborbital tourism is a
possible alternative.
(e) Suborbital travel is a lucrative business.
(i) Space Adventures, a travel agency has collected $2 million in deposits from more than
120 would-be suborbital tourists.
(ii) Four commercial space ports are already licensed to operate.
(iii) It is likely to be $1 billion a year market with 10,000 travellers paying $100,000 each
dining the first few years of adventure space travel.
(f) The space travellers should be medically fit and they need to get proper training. A
man who can ride a roller coaster is fit for space travelling.
C.
(a) lucrative
(b) gruelling
Passage 3:
INDOOR POLLUTANTS
1. Call it a blessing or a curse of Mother Nature, we have to breathe in over 10,000

litres of air in a day (more than four million litres in a year) to remain alive. By
making it essential for life, God has wished that we try to keep the air we breathe
clean. Everyone can see the food that is not clean and perhaps refrain from eating
it, but one cannot stop breathing even if one can feel the air to be polluted.
2. Several harmful and noxious substances can contaminate the air we breathe.
Generally, much is said and written about outdoor air pollution, most of which is
due to vehicular and industrial exhausts.
3. Given the fact that most of us spend over 90% of our time indoors, it is most
important to recognise that the air we breathe in at home or in offices can be
polluted. It can be a cause of ill-health. Air pollutants that are generally present in
very low concentrations can assume significance in closed ill-ventilated places.
4. The indoor air pollution can lead to allergic reactions and cause irritation to the
skin, the eyes and the nose. But as is logical to assume, the brunt of insult by
pollutants is borne by the lungs. It can lead to the development of fresh breathing
problems, especially in those who have allergic tendencies, or it can worsen the
existing respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.
5. There can be several sources of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke is one of the
most important air pollutants in closed places. “Passive smoking” or
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) pollution can lead to all the harmful effects
of tobacco smoking seen in the smokers in their non-smoking companions. ETS as
a health hazard has been unequivocally proven and is also getting social
recognition now. One can occasionally see signs displaying the all-important
message: “Your smoking is injurious to my health” in offices and homes. The
children of smoking parents are among the worst affected persons.
6. The exposure of young children to ETS leads to increased respiratory problems
and hospital admissions as compared to non-exposed children. Several studies,
including those done at the PGI, have shown an increased risk of lung cancer
among women exposed to passive smoking. ETS also worsens the existing lung
diseases like asthma and bronchitis.
It may be responsible for the development of asthma in children.
7. The next most important source of indoor air pollution is the allergens. House dust
mites (HDM) are very small insects not visible to the naked eye and are the
commonest source of allergy in the house. They are ubiquitous and thrive in a
warm and moist atmosphere. They breed very fast and are very difficult to
eradicate. Modem houses present ample breeding spaces for them in the form of
carpets, curtains, mattresses, pillows, etc.
8. Exposure to HDM can be prevented by the frequent washing of linen and by
encasing the mattresses and pillows in a non-permeable cover. Pets form an
important part of life for some of us. But they can add plenty of allergens to our
indoor atmosphere. Cats are notorious for doing this. Fine particles from feline fur
can remain stuck to the upholstery and carpets for a long time* even after the
removal of the animal and lead to the worsening of asthma and skin allergies.
Fortunately, owing to religious and social customs cats are not very popular pets in
India. Dogs, however, are quite popular and can be as troublesome. Pets should be
kept out of the bedrooms and washed frequently. To remove the fur particles one
has to use vacuum cleaners as the ordinary broom and mop are not effective.
9. Moulds, fungi and several other microorganisms thrive in damp conditions and
can lead to allergies as well as infections. Humidifiers in the air-conditioning
plants provide an ideal environment for certain types of bacteria and have led to
major outbreaks of pneumonia. It is important to clean regularly the coolers, air-
conditioners and damp areas of the house such as cupboards, lofts, etc to minimise
this risk.
10. Toxic gases can also pollute the indoor environment. Biomass fuels (wood,
cowdung, dried plants) and coal, if burned inside, can lead to severe contamination
by carbon monoxide (CO): The poor quality of stoves and other cooking or
heating appliances that cause incomplete combustion of LPG can also lead to the
emission of CO or nitrogen dioxide.
Formaldehyde (a gas) can be released from adhesives that are used for fixing
carpets, upholstery and also in making plywood and particleboard.
11. The gases are very toxic in high concentrations as may be encountered during
industrial accidents, but even in very minimal amounts, as may be prevalent in
homes and offices, they can cause irritation to the skin or the eyes, rashes,
headache, dizziness and nausea. Improving the ventilation is an important
preventive measure, besides trying to eliminate the source that may not be always
feasible.
12. Other indoor pollutants are toxic chemicals like cleansing agents, pesticides,
paints, solvents and inferior-quality personal-care products, especially aerosols.
Very old crumbling pipes, boilers, insulation or false roofing can also be important
sources. Asbestos is a hazardous product that can cause cancer in humans.
13. It is important to realise that the air we breathe at home may not be clean always
andwe must try to eliminate the source of pollution. We should give due
consideration to ventilation.
Questions:
(a) The Almighty wants that human beings…………………
1. should try to breathe clean air

2. should not pay attention to pollutants
3. must ignore ETS
4. should become passive smokers
(b) The toxic gases cause …………………
1. rashes
2. headache
3. dizziness
4. all of the above
(c) Air conditioning plants become the cause of …………………
1. allergies
2. pneumonia
3. heart attack
4. infection
(d) Asbestos is a hazardous product because it can
1. cause cancer in humans

2. cause respiratory problems
3. prove fatal to the children
4. none of these
(a) What is essential for our life? How?

(b) Why should we pay attention to the quality of air we breathe indoor?
(c) Name eight important sources of indoor air pollution.
(d) What do you understand by ETS? How is it harmful? Give two instances.
(e) How can the risk of allergies be minimised?
(f) How can the toxic gases pollute the indoor environment?
(a) make impure (Para 2)

(b) clearly and unmistakably (Para 5)
Answers:
A.
(a) 1. should try to breathe clean air

(b) 4. all of the above
(c) 2. pneumonia
(d) 1. cause cancer in humans
B.
(a) Air is essential for our life. We have to breathe in over 10,000 litres of air in a day to
keep alive.
(b) Most of us spend ninety per cent of our time indoors—in homes or offices. The air we
breathe indoors may also be polluted and cause ill health. So, we should pay attention to
the quality of air we breathe indoors.
(c) The important sources of indoor air pollution are:
(i) Tobacco smoke
(ii) Animal dusts
(iii) Air conditioners
(iv) Moulds, bacteria
(v) House dust mites
(vi) Cooking and heating
(viii) Asbestos
(vii) Toxic chemicals
(d) ETS stands for Environmental Tobacco Smoke or “passive smoking”. It causes all the
harms of tobacco smoking to non-smokers, for example, the children of smoking parents
suffer from respiratory problems. There is an increased risk of lung cancer among women
exposed to passive smoking.
(e) We must first identify the allergen and then prevent exposure to them. Use of vacuum
cleaners, exposure to sun, washing linen in warm water and cleaning coolers, air-
conditioners etc are some of the important steps to minimise allergies.
(f) The indoor environment becomes polluted when biomass fuels and coal are burnt.
They release carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide which are detrimental to us.
C.
(a) contaminate
(b) unequivocally
Passage 4:
ELECTRONIC JUNK MAIL
You would have seen an increasing amount of “junk mail” showing up in your e-mail
box. The so-called harmless activities of a small number of people are increasingly
becoming a serious problem for the Internet.
Spam is the flooding of the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt
to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it.
Spam is basically electronic junk mail or junk newsgroup postings. It is sometimes
confused with any unsolicited e-mail. But an old friend may also find your e-mail address
on the Net and send you a message but this could hardly be called spam, even though it is
unsolicited. Real spam is generally e-mail advertising for some product sent to a 10
mailing list or newsgroup.
In addition to wasting people’s time with unwanted e-mail, spam also eats up a lot of
network bandwidth. There are many organisations and individuals who have taken it
upon themselves to fight spam with a variety of techniques. The problem is that because
the Internet is public, there is very little that can be done to prevent spam, just as it is
impossible to prevent junk mail.
One of the most recent examples of large-scale spamming was the hoax Ericsson e-mail
about a free give away, something most people just cannot resist. The letter begins with a
claim that since Nokia is giving away telephones, Ericsson will respond by giving away
brand new WAP phone. But the recipient must forward the letter to a minimum of 20 20
people to receive the phone. The letter is signed by Anna Swelund, Executive Promotion
Manager for Ericsson Marketing. It was later discovered that there was no such person at
Ericsson.
There are numerous instances of these e-mails being used maliciously by someone who
has a grudge against an ex-spouse, a public official, a former teacher or someone else
with an e-mail address. The person mentioned in the e-mail ends up with thousands of
requests from people looking for confirmation that the e-mail—which they actually had
nothing to do with—is true.
Spamming works on our own greed to receive freebies. You are instructed by a total
stranger (or a well meaning but not very bright friend) to forward a message you know 30
nothing about, except for the fact that maybe a friend passed it along to you and about 90
of their other very close friends.
Very often the victim can receive so many e-mails (and sometimes faxes and phone calls
in the more malicious cases) that they have to get a new e-mail box or phone number—
thereby ruining established personal and professional communication channels, which
was the original intent of the sender.
Most spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick
schemes, or quasi-legal services. It costs the sender very little to send—most of the costs
are paid for by the recipient or the carriers rather than by the sender.
There are two main types of spam, and they have different effects on internet users. 40
Cancellable Usenet spam is a single message sent to 20 or more Usenet newsgroups.
Usenet spam is aimed at “lurkers”, people who read newsgroups but rarely or never post
and give their address away. Usenet spam robs users of the utility of the newsgroups by
overwhelming them with a barrage of advertising or other irrelevant posts. Furthermore,
Usenet spam subverts the ability of system administrators and owners to manage the
topics they accept on theft1 systems.
E-mail spam targets individual users with direct mail messages. They typically cost users
money out-of-pocket to receive. Most of us read or receive our mail through dial-up
accounts while the meter is running, so to speak.
There is not much really that can be done to protect yourself except that you can 50
ensure your relative safety by creating internet e-mail accounts like Hotmail or Yahoo
which can be easily and frequently changed. Further, these accounts also generally offer
the option of blocking senders from whom you get spam and you can also opt to block e-
mail which has been copied to more than 20 people.
One can also keep oneself informed about spammers through the Blacklist of Internet
Advertisers, a popular report that describes the offending activities of spammers that
routinely distribute large mailings via e-mail or post unwelcome advertising on
newsgroups. You can also visit www.spam.abuse.net.
Another organisation devoted to countering the destructive effects of spam is MAPS or
the Mail Abuse Prevention System. If an offending spammer cannot be shut down, the 60
spammer’s ISP may contact MAPS with the subnet addresses allocated to the spammer
so those specific addresses may be used instead of the IP address of the entire ISP. The
MAPS website at http://mail-abuse.org will yield more useful information on how to
counter and control spam.
Questions:
(a) Email spam victimises ……………….
1. group
2. individuals
3. males
4. females
(b) Usenet spam deprives the users of ……………….
1. the utility of the newsgroups

2. net facility
3. actual information
(c) Name the organisation that counters the devastating effects of spam
……………….
1. MASP
2. MAPS
3. MPAS
4. MSAP
(d) Who has to pay most of the costs of spam?
1. senders
2. receivers
3. carriers
4. either (ii) or (iii)
(a) What is spam? What problems are caused to net surfers by spamming?
(b) Give an example of recent large scale spamming.
(c) How does spamming work? Whom does it hit—sender or receiver?
(d) What are the two main types of spams and their effects on Internet users?
(e) How can one protect oneself against spam? Give two options.
(f) Who uses e-mail spam frequently?
(a) a mischievous trick played on somebody for a joke (lines 10 to 20)

(b) disreputable or risky (lines 31 to 40)
Answers:
A.
(a) 2. individuals
(b) 1. the utility of the newsgroups
(c) 2. MAPS
(d) 4. either (ii) or (iii)
B.
(a) Spamming is basically electronic junk mail or newsgroup posting. It is e-mail
advertising for some product sent to a mailing list or group. The internet is flooded with
many copies of the same message. The aim is to force the message on people who would
not otherwise receive it.
Spamming poses a major inconvenience to net surfers as their accounts get jammed with
unwanted junk mail.
(b) The offer of Ericsson to give away WAP phone as Nokia is giving away telephones.
It later turned out to be a hoax.
(c) Spamming works on our greed to receive freebies. Sometimes a friend or a total
stranger instructs someone to pass a message. It hits the receiver. He receives a large
number of e-mails, faxes and phone calls. Most of the costs are paid by the receiver.
(d) The two main types of spams are: Cancellable Usenet spam and e-mail spam. Usenet
spam is a single message sent to 20 or more Usenet newsgroups. It sends them a barrage
of advertisements or other irrelevant posts and subverts their ability to manage the topics
they accept on their system. E-mail spam is aimed at individual users.
(e) (i) By creating internet e-mail accounts like Hotmail or Yahoo and changing them
frequently—blocking spammers who send copies to more than 20 persons.
(ii) Consulting Blacklist of Internet Advertisers.
(iii) Mail Abuse Prevention System—The MAPS website at http://mail-abuse-org yields
useful information on how to counter and control spam.
(f) The people who are dissatisfied make use of e-mail spam. The advertising agencies do
get its benefit.
C.
(a) hoax
(b) dubious
CASE- BASED FACTUAL PASSAGE
1. Read the passage given below: [CBSE SET 2, 2021-22]
1. Milkha Singh, also known as The Flying Sikh, was an Indian track and field
sprinter who was introduced to the sport while serving in the Indian Army. He is
the only athlete to win gold in 400 metres at the Asian Games as well as the
Commonwealth Games. He also won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian
Games. He represented India in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the
1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo) He
was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition
of his sporting achievements
2. The race for which Singh is best remembered is his fourth-place finish in the 400
metres final at the 1960 Olympic Games. He led the race till the 200 m mark
before easing off, allowing others to pass him. Singh’s fourth-place time of 45.73
seconds was the Indian national record for almost 40 years.
3. From beginnings that saw him orphaned and displaced during the partition of
India, Singh became a sporting icon in the country. In 2008, journalist Rohit
Baijnath described Singh as “the finest athlete India has ever produced”.
4. He was disappointed with his debut performance at the 1956 Melbourne

Olympics. *1 returned to India, chastened by my poor performance in Melbourne.
I had been so excited by the prospects of being part of the Indian Olympics team,
but, hadn’t realized how strong and professional the competition would be. My
success in India had filled me with a false sense of pride and it was only when I
was on the track that I saw how inconsequential my talents were when pitted
against superbly fit and seasoned athletes. It was then that I understood what
competition actually meant, and that if I wanted to succeed on the international
arena, I must be prepared to test my mettle against the best athletes in the world.”
5. Then he decided to make sprinting the sole focus of his life. “Running had thus
become my God, my religion and my beloved”. My life during those two years
was governed by strict rules and regulations and a self-imposed penance. Every
morning I would rise at the crack of dawn, get into my sports kit and dash off to
the track, where I would run two or three miles cross-country in the company of
my coach.”
6. On how he pushed himself through the tough days of vigorous training. “I

practiced so strenuously that often I was drained of all energy, and there were
times when I would increase my speed to such an extent that after my rounds, I
would vomit blood or drop-down down unconscious through sheer exercise. My
doctors and coaches warned me, asked me to slow down to maintain my health
and equilibrium but my determination was too strong to give up. My only focus
was to become the best athlete in the world. But then images of a packed
stadium filled with cheering spectators, wildly applauding me as I crossed
the finishing line, would flash across my mind and I would start again, encouraged
by visions of victory.”
Based on your reading answer any five questions from the six given below: 1×5=5
(i) What is Milka Singh known as? What realization did Milkha Singh have when he was
on the track during the Melbourne Olympics?
(ii) List any two of Milkha Singh’s achievements.
(iii) What strict rules and regulations did Milkha Singh follow?
(iv) State two consequences of his hard and strenuous practice.
(v) What motivated Milkha Singh to become the best athlete in the world?
(vi) Explain the phrase ‘I would start again’ in the last sentence.
ANSWERS
1. Milkha Singh was known as ‘The Flying Sikh’.
He realised how inconsequential his talents were when pitied against superbly fit
seasoned athletes. He also realised that he needed to prepare well to test his mettle against
the best athletes in the world.
2. (i) The only athlete to win 400 meters at the Asian Games as well as Commonwealth
Games.
(ii) Won gold in 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. His national record stood unbroken for 40
years.
(iii) He was awarded Padam Shiri for his sporting achievements.
3. Every morning he would rise at the crack of the dawn, get into his sports kit and dash
off to the track, where he would run two or three miles cross-country with his coach.
4. ( i) He was drained of all energy.
(ii) He would vomit blood or drop-down unconscious through sheer exercise.
5. He was motivated by his vision of victory at a packed stadium with spectators cheering
and applauding him as he crossed the finishing line.
6. ‘I would start again’ means here that he was encouraged to shun any complacency and
start again with the double energy and determination to become the best athlete.
Q. Read the following excerpt from a Case Study. J.K. Rowling – A Journey. [CBSE
SET 2, 2022]
The story of Joanne Kathleen Rowling’s near magical rise to fame is almost as well
known as the characters she creates.
Rowling was constantly writing and telling stories to her younger sister Dianne. “The
first story I ever wrote down was about a rabbit called Rabbit.” Rowling said in an
interview. “He got the measles and was visited by his friends including a giant bee called
Miss Bee. And ever since Rabbit and Miss Bee, I have always wanted to be a writer,
though I rarely told anyone so.
However, my parents, both of whom come from impoverished backgrounds and neither
of whom had been to college, took the view that my overactive imagination was an
amusing personal quirk that would never pay a mortgage or secure a pension.
A writer from the age of six, with two unpublished novels in the * drawer, she was stuck
on a train when Harry walked into her mind fully formed. She spent the next five years
constructing the plots of seven books, one for every year of his secondary school life.
Rowling says she started writing the first book, Harry’ Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, in
Portugal, where she was teaching English.
At first nobody wanted to publish Harry Potter. She was told that plot was too complex.
Refusing to compromise, she found a publisher.
n 1997 Rowling received her first royalty cheque. By book three, she had sky rocketed to
the top of the publishing world. A row of zeroes appeared on the author’s bank balance
and her life was turned upside down. Day and night she had journalists knocking on the
unanswered door of her flat.
Rowling’s quality control has become legendary, as her obsession with accuracy. She’s
thrilled with Stephen Fry’s taped version of the books and outraged that an Italian dust
jacket showed Harry minus his glasses. “Don’t they understand that the glasses are the
clue to his vulnerability.”
Annual earnings of J.K. Rowling from 2010 to 2019

On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer any five of the six questions
given below. 1×5=5
(i) Explain J.K. Rowling’s ‘near magical rise to fame’.
(ii) What reason did the publishers give for rejecting Rowling’s book?
(iii) What was the drawback of achieving fame?
(iv) Why was Rowling outraged with the Italian dust jacket?
(v) Find a word in the last para that means the same as ‘insecure/helpless.
(vi) According to the graph, how many years did it take Rowling to become very
successful?
Answers:
(i) Jk Rowling’s near magical rise to fame is well known as the character she creates I.e.
her popular characters led her to magical fame. She was on top of the world of publishing
house after the book three was published and her bank balance increased tremendously.
(ii) She was told that her plot of Harry Potter was too complex.
(iii) The draw back was that she was approached day and night by journalists knocking at
the door of her flat. It was becoming a nuisance and she did not respond all of them.
(iv) She was obsessed with quality and accuracy and therefore was outraged at an Italian
just Jacket for showing Harry without glasses.
(v) vulnerability
(v) It took around 6 years for Rowlings to become very successful.
Q. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
India Covid-19 numbers explained
1. With novel Coronavirus spreading rapidly all over the country, there are only three
states right now, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, that have less
than 1,000 people infected with the disease.
2. Lakshadweep, of course, still hasn’t reported even a single case till now, the only
region in India entirely free of the epidemic.
3. Otherwise, even the relatively smaller states now have significantly large spread of the
disease. Goa, for example, has seen more than 7,000 of its people infected by the virus till
now. Tripura has over 5,500 cases, while Manipur has more than 3,000, and Nagaland a
little less than 2,500. Puducherry has more than 4,000 cases, while even Daman and Diu
has over 1,300 people infected.
4. And in each of these states, the numbers are rising at a fast pace, at a rate higher than
the national level. The infections had initially reached these states in the first and second
week of May, when the lockdown was relaxed for the first time to enable people stuck in
different parts of the country to return to their native places.
5. After a period of very slow growth, the number of cases have begun to rise rapidly in
the last one month. In Goa, for example, the total number of infected people has nearly
doubled in the last 15 days. Same has happened in Puducherry, as well.
6. Tuesday was one of those rare occasions when the number of active cases in the
country, those who are yet to recover from the disease, went down compared to the
previous day. That is because the number of recoveries, combined with the number of
deaths, exceeded the new cases that were detected on Tuesday.
7. With over 52,500 new cases detected in the country, the total number of infections
crossed 19 lakh, out of `which 12.82 lakh people have recovered from the disease. The
number of dead is now close to 40,000.
8. The number of recoveries on Tuesday was the highest-ever for a single day. More than
51,700 people were declared to have been recovered. Three days earlier, the number of
recoveries had crossed 50,000 for the first time, but in the next two days the number had
fallen to much lower levels.
Choose the correct option to answer the questions based on the above passage and
graphics. Do any ten.
(a) How are these three states – Meghalaya, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar
Islands – different from the rest of India?
(i) they are the only states to have less than 1,000 people infected with novel coronavirus
(ii) they are three of the five states to have less than 1,000 people infected with novel
coronavirus
(iii) they are the only states to have less than 2,000 people infected with novel
coronavirus
(iv) none of these
(b) __________ is the only region in India which is entirely free of the epidemic.
(i) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(ii) Maharashtra
(iii) Lakshadweep
(iv) Tripura
(c) What is common among Goa, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Puducherry and
Daman and Diu?
(i) the numbers are rising at a fast pace at rates lower than the national level
(ii) the numbers are falling at a fast pace at rates equal than the national level
(iii) the numbers are rising at a fast pace at rates higher than the national level
(iv) none of these
(d) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the
inherent qualities of climate in the present times.
(i) 1 and 4
(ii) 2 and 6
(iii) 1 and 3
(iv) 3 and 5
(e) Which date in the graph shows the highest jump of detected cases in a day?
(i) July 30
(ii) July 31
(iii) August 1
(iv) August 2
(f) Of the 19 lakh infected cases, how many have recovered?

(i) 11.82 lakh
(ii) 13.82 lakh
(iii) 12.81 lakh
(iv) 12.82 lakh
(g) More than 51,700 people were declared to have been recovered on _______.
(i) Wednesday
(ii) Sunday
(iii) Tuesday
(iv) Monday
(h) When had the number of recoveries crossed 50,000 for the first time?
(i) two days earlier
(ii) Tuesday
(iii) three days earlier than Tuesday
(iv) none of these
(i) Which word in the passage means the same as “quickly”?

(i) rapidly
(ii) significantly
(iii) native
(iv) rare
(j) Which word in the passage is opposite in meaning to “indigenous”?
(i) rapidly
(ii) significantly
(iii) native
(iv) rare
Answers:
(a) (i) they are the only states to have less than 1,000 people infected with novel
coronavirus
(b) (iii) Lakshadweep
(c) (iii) the numbers are rising at a fast pace at rates higher than the national level
(d) (iii) 1 and 3
(e) (ii) July 31
(f) (iv) 12.82 lakh
(g) (iii) Tuesday
(h) (iii) three days earlier than Tuesday
(i) (i) rapidly
(j) (iii) native
Q. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Australia’s 2019-2020 Bushfire Season was not Normal
1. Data from satellite sources assembled by the United Nations Environment

Programme’s (UNEP) World Environment Situation Room confirms that the
wildfires in Australia in the last two months of 2019 and the first six weeks of
2020 were far from normal. 2019 was the second hottest year on record since
1880, and Australia recorded its warmest temperatures ever in December 2019.
2. “Rising temperatures continue to melt records. The past decade was the hottest on
record. Scientists tell us that ocean temperatures are now rising at the equivalent of
five Hiroshima bombs a second. One million species are in near-term danger of
extinction. Our planet is burning,” says United Nations Secretary-General António
Guterres.
3. “The trend is very clear: 37 of the last 40 years were the warmest recorded since
1880, and the six warmest years recorded were the last six years,” says Pascal
Peduzzi, Director of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database in Geneva.
“For those who think Australia is always burning, graphs clearly show that these
fires were exceptional.”
4. “This service, accessible via the UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room, is
provided for all countries at national and provincial levels. It identifies trends in
wildfire activity since 2003, when the data first became available and monitoring
began. We have sliced and diced the satellite-based data on wildfires worldwide
from 2009 to the present day. We analyse the wildfires’ data by month, type of
land cover, protected area, province and nation to produce information products,”
Peduzzi adds. (Source: UN Environment)
Choose the correct option to answer the questions based on the above passage and
graphics. Do any ten.
(a) What do the reports confirm about the 2019-20 Australian fires?
(i) the fires were not normal
(ii) the fires were normal
(iii) the fires were natural
(iv) data inconclusive
(b) What was the difference in the recorded temperatures in 2019 from the 1880s?
(i) 2019 recorded the wettest temperatures since 1880s
(ii) 2019 recorded the hottest temperatures ever
(iii) 2019 recorded the cooler temperatures than 1880s
(iv) 2019 recorded the warmest temperatures since 1880s
(c) What comparison has been made between the rising sea temperatures and
Hiroshima?
(i) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of three Hiroshima bombs a second
(ii) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima bombs a second
(iii) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima bombs an hour
(iv) none of these
(d) Choose the option that lists the CORRECT answers for the following:
“Rising temperatures continue to melt records. The past decade was the hottest on record.
Scientists tell us that ocean temperatures are now rising at the equivalent of five
Hiroshima
bombs a second”. Whose statement is this?
“The trend is very clear: 37 of the last 40 years were the warmest recorded since 1880,
and
the six warmest years recorded were the last six years.” Whose statement is this?
(i) (1) is from United Nations Secretary and (2) is from the UN President
(ii) (1) is from the UN President and (2) is from the UN General Secretary
(iii) (1) is from United Nations Secretary and (2) is from the Director of UNEP
(iv) (1) is from the UN General Secretary and (2) is from the UN President
(e) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the
inherent qualities of climate in the present times.
(i) 1 and 3
(ii) 2 and 6
(iii) 3 and 4
(iv) 5 and 6
(f) Which of the following independent data source is NOT PRESENT in the given
graph?
(i) NASA
(ii) NOAA
(iii) ISRO
(iv) JMA
(g) Choose the option that lists the CORRECT statement.

(i) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNEP’s Global Renaissance Information Database
(ii) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNO’s Global Resource Information Database
(iii) Pascal Peduzzi is the Manager of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database
(iv) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database
(h) How can you say that the UN is concerned about the rising numbers of coal
plants?
(i) UNDP Secretary General António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(ii) UN Secretary General António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(iii) UN Executive Secretary António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(iv) UN Secretary General Antony Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(i) UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room has been tracking the world
temperatures since.
(i) 2003
(ii) 2013
(iii) 2000
(iv) 2001
(j) The graph compiled with data from four different sources shows that the global
surface temperatures have been _.
(i) steady
(ii) falling
(iii) on the rise
(iv) none of these
(k) Which word in the passage means the same as “collect”?

(i) assembled
(ii) extinction
(iii) exceptional
(iv) provincial
(l) Which word in the passage is opposite to the meaning of ‘vague/murky’?

(i) assembled
(ii) clear
(iii) extinction
(iv) provincial
Answers:
(a) (i) the fires were not normal

(b) (iv) 2019 recorded the warmest temperatures since 1880s
(c) (ii) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima bombs a second
(d) (iii) (1) is from United Nations Secretary and (2) is from the Director of UNEP
(e) (i) 1 and 3
(f) (iii) ISRO
(g) (iv) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database
(h) (ii) UN secretary general António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(i) (i) 2003
(j) (iii) on the rise
(k) (i) assembled
(l) (ii) clear
WRITING SKILLS
NOTICE WRITING
QUESTION 1. As Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lucknow, draft notice in not more
than 50 words informing students of the change in school timings with effect from the 1st
of October. State valid reasons for the change. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lucknow

NOTICE
22nd September, 20xx
Change in School Timings

All students are hereby informed about a change in school
timings from 1st October, 20xx. The school will now start at
9 a.m. & end at 3 p.m. In the past few years, it has been seen
that winters are rather severe and it becomes quite difficult
to start early due to the extreme cold weather and the dense
fog. So these new timings will be followed till further
notice.
Principal
Question 2. You are Secretary of the History Club of Vidya Mandir School. Draft a
notice in not more than 50 words informing students of a proposed visit to some
important historical sites in your city. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Vidya Mandir School

History Club
Notice
22nd September, 20xx
Visit Historical Sites

Members of the club are hereby informed of a proposed
educational visit to a few important historical sites in our city
which is likely to be scheduled between the 28th and the 30th of
Sep. Interested members are required to pay ? 550 (inclusive of
transport and snacks) during the zero periods to the undersigned
by the 25th of September.
Secretary
History Club
Question 3. As Sports Secretary of G.D.G. Public School, Pune, draft notice in not more
than 50 words for your school notice board informing the students about the sale of old
sports goods of your school. You are Rohini/Rohit. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
G.D.G. Public School

Pune
Notice
29th July, 20xx

Sale of Old Spoils Goods
Students are hereby informed that our school is organising a sale
of its old sports goods like cricket bats, badminton & lawn teams
rackets, footballs, cricket & football gear etc. in the P.E. Room on
2K1 August, 2Oxx. Those interested in purchasing these can visit
the P.E. Room on the assigned date during their free periods or
recess time.
Rohit
Sports Secretary.
Question 4. You have found an expensive geometry box in the school playground. Draft
a notice in not more than 50 words for the school notice board. You are Ra’Rani, Class
XII, Angel School, Faridabad. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Angel School, Faridabad

Notice
31 October, 2Oxx
Found A Geometry Box

Have found a red-coloured ‘Faber-Castle’
Geometry Box in the school playground during the
8th period yesterday. Owner may please contact the
undersigned in her class between the 6th and the 71
periods.
Rani
XII-C
Question 5. You are SrinivafSrinidhi of D.P. Public School, Nagpur. As Student Editor of
your school magazine, draft notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice
board inviting article sketches from students of all classes. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
D.P. Public School, Nagpur

Notice
Bring in your Articles and Sketches
29e” July, 2Oxx

Students of all classes are hereby invited to submit their
articles and sketches for the school magazine to the
undersigned Latest by the 6th of August in Room No. 102
during the V period. Please ensure that your articles are
neat and legible and your sketches are clearly drawn.
Srinidhi
Editor
School Magazine
Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply
Question 1.
As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal
invitation in not more than 50 words for the inauguration of the club in your school.
(Delhi 2009)
Answer:
POWERED BY
St. Anne’s School

Ahmedabad
We cordially invite all staff, students and parents for the inauguration
of the Literary Club of the School on 29th July between 8.30 a.m. to
11.30 a.m. within the school premises. Well, known novelist, Mr
Sandeep Kumar will be our Chief Guest. You all are also requested to
join us in the auditorium for tea and snacks after the inauguration
ceremony.
Secretary
Question 2.
The literary club of your school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As secretary
of the club, draft an invitation inviting the famous writer Sudeesh Gupta to be the guest
of honour at the function. Write the invitation in not more than 50 words. You are
Govind/Gauri. (All India 2014)
Answer:
ABC School
Shastri Nagar
Mumbai
February 20, 20xx
Mr. Sudesh Gupta
XYZ Lane
PQR Colony
Mumbai
Dear SirSubject: Invitation as Chief Guest
The Literary club of our school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for
Godot’ on 17th January, 20xx in our school auditorium from 9-10 am.
On behalf of our club, I would like to extend a cordial invitation to you
to be the guest of honour at the function. It would be our privilege if
you consent to grace this occasion with your esteemed presence.Gauri
Secretary (Literary Club)
Question 3.
As the principal of a reputed college, you have been invited to inaugurate a Book
Exhibition in your neighbourhood. Draft a reply to the invitation in not more than 50
words, expressing your inability to attend the function. You are Tarun/Tanvi. (All India
2014)
Answer:
Reply To Invitation:
The Principal
ABC College
March 25th, 20xx
Subject: Inability to accept the Invitation Sir

I would like to express my gratitude to the Civil Lines Book Club for
inviting me to inaugurate the first edition of the Civil Club Book
Exhibition. But I regret my inability to attend the function due to a
prior commitment. I have to attend a meeting with the governing body
of our college on the same day for which the inauguration is scheduled.
Yours faithfully
Tanvi
Principal
Question 4.
Your friend, P.V. Sathish, has invited you to attend the wedding of his sister, Jaya. You
find that you have an important paper of pre-board examination on the day of the
wedding. Thus you cannot attend the event. Write in about 50 words a formal reply to the
invitation expressing your regret. You are PuneeV Puneeta Vij, M 114, Fort Road,
Chennai. (All India 2017)
Answer:
15th January, 20xx

Thank you P.V. Sathish for your kind invitation to the wedding of your
sister, Jaya on 23rd January, 20xx. I regret my inability to attend as I
have an important pre-board examination on the day of the wedding.
Wishing the newly wedded couple a very happy married life. Best
wishes Puneet
M-114, Fort Road, Chennai
Question 5.
On 30th November your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You want Mr.
Dhanraj Pillai, a noted hockey player to give away the prizes to the budding
sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in about 50 words requesting him
to grace the occasion. You are Karun^/Karan, Sports Secretary, Sunrise Global School,
Agra. (All India)
Answer:
Sunrise Global School

takes pleasure in inviting
Noted Hockey Player
MR, DHANRAJ PILLAI
to grace the occasion of its
Annual Sports Day
and to give away prizes to our budding sportspersons
on 30th November, 20xx
From 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Awaiting a favourable response from your end.
Koruna
Sports Secretary
LETTER WRITING
Question 1:
You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in The
Hindu for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply for the job with complete
biodata. Write in 125-150 words.
Answer:
14, Model Town
Delhi
May 25, 20XX
The Managing Director
The Radisson Hotel
Gurgaon
Sir
Sub: Application for the post of Chief Chef
This is with reference to the advertisement published in the esteemed daily. The Hindu on
May 20, 20XX. I am Anand. I have completed my MBA in hotel management
from Delhi University. I intend to apply for the post of chief chef in your esteemed
organisation.
Please find enclosed my biodata for the said purpose. I am hard working, honest and
punctual. I assure you that I shall work with full devotion and sincerity.
In anticipation of an early response.
Yours truly
Anand
BIO – DATA
Name : Anand Kumar

Father’s Name : Kapil Kumar
Date of Birth : 22 January, 1990
Contact No. : 9350298679
Marital Status : Unmarried
Educational • Master of Business Administration, A.K. College, Delhi
Qualifications (2013)-95% Marks.
• Graduation in Hotel Management, Satyawati College, (2011) -
94% Marks
Working Experience : Trainee at the Taj Hotel, New Delhi. (May 2013-Dec. 2013)
Languages Known : Hindi and English
1. A.K. Poddar Professor, Head of Dept. ABC College, Delhi
References
2. Ram Prakash Professor and Dean K.X. College, Delhi
Question 2:
You are Prem/Parul of 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal. You would like to apply for the post of
Marketing Manager in a reputed firm in Mumbai. Write a letter to the Public Relations
Officer, Chantac Enterprises, Mumbai, applying for the job. Write the letter in 125-150
words giving your biodata.
Answer:
16, TT Nagar
Bhopal
April 26, 20XX
Public Relations Officer
Chantac Enterprises
Mumbai
Sir
Sub: Application for the post of Marketing Manager
In response to your advertisement published in The Hindustan Times dated April 23,
20XX, I wish to offer my services as one of the candidates.
I fulfil the conditions laid down in your advertisement. I have completed my MBA in
Marketing Management from Poona University with 90% marks. I have also got one year
working experience in XYZ Enterprises, Mumbai. Enclosed herewith the biodata,
photographs, certificates and testimonials for your reference.
Hoping for a favourable response.
Yours
Prem
BIO – DATA
Name : Prem Kumar

Father’s Name : Mr. K Kumar
Date of Birth : 30.10.1990
Address : 16, T.T. Nagar, Bhopal
Marital Status : Unmarried
Educational
: MBA in Marketing Management, Symbiosis Institute, Pune
Qualifications
Working Experience : Manager at XYZ Enterprises, Mumbai, 20 January, 2013 to 30
January, 2014)
: Excellent communication skills, Diploma in computer with
Skills
Java, C++.
1. A.K Puri Director, T.K. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
References
2. R. Kumar
Question 3:
DETERIORATING LIVING STANDARD
Write a letter to the Editor of a magazine Expressions, New Delhi on the deterioration in
the standard of living in your city. Give suggestions for improvement. Sign yourself as
PMR.
Answer:
15A Model Town
Delhi
April 5, 20XX
The Editor
Expressions
Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi-110001
Sir
Sub: Deteriorating standard of living in the capital city.
Through the columns of your reputed magazine, I wish to express my views on the
deteriorating standard of living in the capital city of Delhi.
What does the standard of living actually mean? Does it mean possessing expensive
goods of comfort and beauty, living in posh bungalows or, the overall decent and
peaceful living conditions including health and hygiene, pollution-free environment, and
above all, a value-based society.
Considering all these, the living conditions in Delhi are really appalling. Dumps of
garbage, heavy traffic congestion on the roads, growing atmospheric pollution, high
levels of noise pollution, overcrowding at public places, etc., throw ample light on the
deterioration in the people’s standard of living. Our lungs are hungry for fresh air and
green belts.
The large number of immigrants, from other states to Delhi, put tremendous pressure on
the resources of the city. The housing problem is growing rapidly with lack of civic
amenities. The life is so busy that there is little interaction among neighbours. Hurry and
worry is what best describes the life in the capital city. With growing consumerism and
rising prices, the disparity between rich and poor is increasing day by day. Something
judicious needs to be done to remedy this situation. More green belts and ‘silence zones’
should be created. The unrestricted inflow of people to Delhi should also be checked.
Only then the standard of living can be improved.
Yours truly
PMR
Question 4:
WATER-SCARCITY
Write a letter to the Editor of National Herald, New Delhi about water scarcity in your
locality suggesting ways to improve the position of water supply. You are Ramnath/
Reema of Ghaziabad.
Answer:
A-24, Kavi Nagar
Ghaziabad
April 2, 20XX
The Editor
National Herald
New Delhi-110001
Sir
Sub: Water crisis in Kavi Nagar
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
concerned authorities towards the problem of water scarcity in our locality.
It is still early summer and the residents are already facing acute water shortage in the
area. The supply is cut off at 8.30 a.m. in the morning and is restored only for half an
hour in the evening between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Since the timings are erratic, many people,
especially, the working couples are unable to store water. Frequent complaints to the Jal
Board haven’t yielded any result as the authorities express their helplessness saying that
one of the tanks of the Hyderpur Water Treatment Plant is under repair and has been shut
down for a month or so thereby affecting the water supply in the area. But it is nearly one
and a half months since the problem began, yet there is no respite to the residents.
The Jal Board should, in the meantime, make provisions for water tankers at different
horns of the day. Also, measures must be taken to expedite the repair work.
Yours truly
Ramnath /Reema
Question 5:
ILLICIT LIQUOR AND ANTHRAX
You are Hemant/Himakshi. Write a letter to the Editor of The Herald, New Delhi
expressing your anguish over the problems faced by people due to illicit liquor and the
deadly chemicals like anthrax.
Answer:
Examination Hall
New Delhi-110058
5th April, 20XX
The Editor
The Herald
New Delhi-110002
Sir
Sub: Terror caused by illicit liquor and anthrax
The recent deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor and the fear generated in the
minds of people on account of anthrax is a matter of great concern.
We often hear or read about people dying due to the consumption of illicit liquor, but
never come to know about the follow up action or the punishment given to the guilty.
What a tragedy! Families get ruined, children orphaned but the illegal trade continues
unabated. Why is our government so apathetic towards this social curse or maybe, keeps
the eyes closed deliberately because the custodians of law have their palms greased
through these means only.
However, we, the awakened citizens, must raise our voice against this evil. We must try
to educate not only the children but adults also. Responsibility can also be given to the
Gram Panchayats and the best village or Panchayat should be awarded if they Eire able to
eradicate this menace from their villages.
Another problem, I need to address is the problem of global terrorism. The people have
yet to recover from the trauma of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers when they are
confronted with a still more dangerous and threatening problem—the problem of bio
terrorism. Prominent personalities in different countries are being targeted through the
deadly bio-chemical like anthrax sent in letters. Is man degenerated to such an extent that
he can kill another human being using such means? The US government has taken strong
steps to check this deadly act. However, if the guilt is proved on anybody, the person(s)
must be given exemplary punishment to eliminate this heinous crime completely. I am
sure that the contents shared here express the views of many. In the hope that sanity may
prevail among people some day.
Yours truly,
Hemant
ARTICLE/REPORT WRITING
Question 1.
You are Sweety/Suresh of L.M. Jain School, Ajmer. As Secretary of your School Co-
curricular Activities Club, you visited a slum area in your city where the people suffered
a great loss of life and property in a massive fire. The students of your school rendered
their services and material help to the victims. Write a report in 100-125 words for your
school magazine. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Students Service To Victims Of Fire

By: Sweety
L.M. Jain School
14th February, 20xx. A major slum area in Vilas Nagar was gutted by a massive fire on
10th February, 20xx. The fire whose exact cause is still not very clear caused extensive
damage to life and property. Ten persons lost their lives, many were injured and about
two hundred people were rendered homeless. Our school joined and relief to the victims.
The students of our school got together and collected food packets, old clothes,
medicines, utensils, etc. to be distributed to these homeless and helpless people. Ten
students and three teachers personally visited this slum area to ensure proper and fair
distribution of the items that had been collected and thus provided some relief to these
unfortunate people in their time of crisis and misery.
Question 2.
Recently your school held a Seminar on Conservation of Water as a part of World Water
Day celebrations. As the School Pupil Leader of Maryland School, Gurgaon, write a
report in 100-125 words for a local daily. Sign as Pritham/Preeti. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Seminar On Water Conservation

By: Preeti
Maryland School,
Gurgaon 16th March, 20xx, Gurgaon: Our school organised a seminar on ‘Water
Conservation’ as part of the World Water Day Celebrations on 13th August, 20xx. The
main aim of this seminar was to remind us all about the need to save the government and
the non-governmental organisations in providing help water as it is a precious source
imperative for our survival.
distinguished environmentalists and eminent personalities were our guest speakers and
they reiterated the need not only of conserving water but also spoke at length on how to
conserve water by stressing upon the fact that each drop of water is precious. Dr. Yashraj,
an eminent environmentalist, suggested rain-water harvesting as one of the best ways to
conserve water.
Using visual aids to highlight his discourse, he suggested that to ensure availability of
water for the future generations the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should
not exceed its natural replacement rate. The seminar concluded on the note that water
conservation is the most cost-effective, environmentally sound way to reduce our demand
for water and so each one of us must do our bit towards improving water management to
enhance optimum use of water.
Question 3.
Your school organised an exhibition-cum-sale of the items prepared under Work
Experience Certificate by your school students. There was an overwhelming response
from the public. Prepare a report in 100-125 words for a local daily. You are the
Coordinator, S.U.P.W. activities, Nita School, Gurgaon. (All India 2010)
Answer:
An Exhibition-Cum-Sale
By: ABC, Coordinator, SUPW Activities
Nita School, Gurgaon
3rd Aug. 20xx, Gurgaon. Our school organised an exhibition-cum-sale of items prepared
under Work Experience by our students on the 31st of July in the school lawns. It was
heartening to see the overwhelming response our endeavour got from not only the parents
but also from the general public who showed a lot of interest in the items made by the
students. A wide array of items such as candles, greeting cards, jewellery boxes, wooden
handicrafts had been prepared by talented students.
The students were really encouraged by the positive feedback they got from everyone
present. Our principal too was personally present there all the time interacting with
everyone. He appreciated the students’ hard work and creativity and announced that the
money collected from the sale of items would be donated to an old-age home in the
vicinity of our school. Our principal also decided that such initiatives would be taken up
by our school more frequently to motivate the creative students and to help a noble cause.
Question 4.
Your state government has banned the use of plastic bags. Your are Amarjeet, a reporter
of The National Herald. Write a report in 100-125 words on how the ban is being ignored
and what damage the indiscriminate use of plastic bags in causing to the environment.
(Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Environment Unfriendly Polybags

By: Amarjeet, Staff Reporter
The National Herald
In the year 2002 the government had banned the production and use of plastic bags in our
country. But unfortunately, these are now being widely used again everywhere. Not only
are we using a huge number of polybags daily but we are also discarding them in our
drains uncaring about the fact that they will block the flow of drain water. Polybags are
also a threat to our environment. They cause pollution, kill wildlife and are responsible
for using up the natural resources of the earth. They are one of the main factors that litter
the landscape. If burnt, they will infuse the surrounding air with toxic fumes.
The main problem of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition
of plastic takes around a thousand years, so with the plastic rubbish produced each day it
is likely that this problem will never be solved. While the government works out ways to
lessen the impact of polybags on the environment each one of us too should shoulder
some responsibility for this problem that ultimately harms us all.
Question 5.
You are Ramesh/Rani, Sports Secretary, Government Senior Secondary School,
Chandigarh. Last Monday an inter-school twenty-over cricket match was played on your
school ground. Write a report in 100-125 words on the match. (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
Inter-School Twenty
Over Cricket Match
Ramesh, Sports Secretary,
Govt. Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh 17th January, 20xx. Last Monday an inter-
school twenty over cricket match played in our school grounds between Kendriya
Vidyalaya, Sector-4 and Central School, Sector-37. It was one of the most thrilling match
that we all had seen as the winner was decided only after the last ball of the match had
been bowled. Kendriya Vidyalaya won the toss and chose to bat. They set a target of 130
runs in twenty overs for the opposition team who beat them in the last ball of the match
by hitting a boundary which took their score to 131 runs. Central School had to make ten
runs in the last two balls in order to win. Their star batsman ABC scored a six followed
by a fantastic boundary to take his team to victory. It was a great match with a nail-biting
finish and all the spectators present there thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
LITERATURE
THE LAST LESSON
EXTRACT BASED QUESTION
A. “My children this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order came from Berlin to
teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes
tomorrow. This is your last French lesson.”
1. In which language is the last lesson ?

A. German
B. American
C. French
D. British
Ans: C
2. Who is the speaker in the above lines?

A. Franz
B. Hauser
C. M.Hamel
D. Wachter
Ans: C
3. Where has the order come from ?

A. France
B. Berlin
C. Lorraine
D. Alsace
Ans: B
4. Speaker is speaking to _________.

A. Franz
B. villagers
C. class
D. soldiers
Ans: C
B. “M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it was the most
beautiful language in the world — the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it
among us and never forget it, because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold
fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison. Then he opened a
grammar book and read us our lesson. I was amazed to see how well I understood it. All
he said seemed so easy, so Easy! “ (QB)
1. Which of the following can be attributed to M. Hamel’s declaration about the

French language?
A. subject expertise
B. nostalgic pride
C. factual accuracy
D. patriotic magnification
Ans: D
2. “I was amazed to see how well I understood it.” Select the option that does NOT
explain why Franz found the grammar lesson “easy”.
A. Franz was paying careful attention in class this time.
B. M. Hamel was being extremely patient and calm in his teaching.
C. Franz was inspired and had found a new meaning and purpose to learning.
D. Franz had realized that French was the clearest and most logical language.
Ans: B
3. Franz was able to understand the grammar lesson easily because he was
A. receptive.
B. appreciative.
C. introspective.
D. competitive.
Ans: D
4. Read the quotes given below. Choose the option that might best describe M.
Hamel’s viewpoint.
(i) Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own. – Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe
(ii) Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and
where they are going. – Rita Mae Brown
(iii) A poor man is like a foreigner in his own country. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib
(iv) The greatest propaganda in the world is our mother tongue, that is what we learn as
children, and which we learn unconsciously. That
shapes our perceptions for life. – Marshal McLuhan
A. Option (i)
B. Option (ii)
C. Option (iii)
D. Option (iv)
Ans: B
C. How it must have broken his heart to leave it all, poor man; to hear his sister moving
about in the room above, packing their trunks! For they must leave the country next day.
1. Who are ‘they’ here?|

A. M. Hamel and his sister.
B. Franz
C. Villager
D. Houser
Ans: A
2. Why is M. Hamel’s heart broken?

A. Because he has to leave the country the next day
B. Because of transfer
C. Because of retirement
D. Because of a student’s misbehaviour.
Ans: A
3. Why do they have to leave the country?

A. German would be taught in place of French.
B. French will be taught now.
C. New languages will be taught.
D. He has got a new job.
Ans: A
4. Who is packing the trunks?

A. M. Hamel’s sister
B. M. Hamel’s wife
C. M. Hamel’s father
D.M. Hamel’s servant
Ans: A
SHORT QUESTION ANSWERS
Question 1.
What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last French lesson? (Delhi
2009)
Answer:
When M.Hamel was giving his last French ; lesson, the mood in the classroom was
solemn and sombre. When he announced that this was their last French lesson everyone
present in the classroom suddenly developed patriotic feelings for their native language
and genuinely regretted ignoring their mother tongue.
Question 2.
What had the narrator counted on to enter the school, unnoticed? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The narrator (Franz) had counted on the hustle and bustle that was usual when the school
began in order to enter there unnoticed. He had thought he could depend on the
commotion to get to his desk without anybody noticing that he was late for the class.
Question 3.
“This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M.Hamel?
(Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When M.Hamel declared that it was their last French lesson a grim realisation dawned on
Franz that he had so much more yet to learn. He felt sorry for whiling away his time and
skipping his lessons. Now he did not want to part with his books, which he had earlier
consi¬dered a nuisance. He was also deeply pained at the thought that M.Hamel was
leaving.
Question 4.
What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school that day? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Franz had started very late for school that morning. He feared facing his class-teacher, M.
Hamel. Because he was expected to be prepared with his grammar lesson on participles
and he did not know even the first word about them. So he feared a scolding.
Question 5.
What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school? (All India
2013)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin that only German would be taught in the schools of
Alsace and Lorraine saddened and hurt the pride of the French people. So as a gesture to
express their solidarity for their language the village elders also attended school for the
last French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was missing from school and it was
unusually quiet. M. Hamel was also dressed in his formal suit which he wore only on
special occasions.
Question 6.
How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin after the defeat of France shocked the French people. It
declared that all the schools in the two French districts of Alsace and Lorraine would now
teach only German. This not only saddened but also hurt the pride of the people of
France. On the day of the French teacher M.Hamel’s last lesson, even the village elders
came to show their respect to him for serving the community faithfully for forty years.
The usual hustle and bustle too was missing from school and Franz found it unusually
quiet as it used to be on a Sunday morning. M.Hamel was dressed in his formal suit. Even
though Franz reached late M.Hamel did not scold him. He then went on to praising the
French language at length by referring to it as the most beautiful language. He called
upon the French people to safeguard their language among themselves and not to forget it
ever.
LONG QUESTION ANSWERS
Question 1.
What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it
have on them? Why? (All India 2009)
Answer:
M. Hamel told his students that a new order from Berlin has declared that all schools of
Alsace and Lorraine would teach only German so this was going to be their last French
lesson. This new order aroused patriotic feelings in him and he, in turn, wanted to arouse
similar patriotism in his students and the village elders. He made them conscious of the
glory and value of the French language and told them to safeguard it among themselves
and keep it alive at all costs as it was the key to their unity and liberation. Everyone
listened to him sadly but with rapt attention and respect. Even little Franz listened to his
teacher’s words with a new-found interest. He felt sorry that he had neglected learning
French. Everyone from the village assembled in the class to thank Mr. Hamel for his
forty years of faithful service to the community.
Question 2.
How different from usual was the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson? (All
India 2015)
Answer:
Acquiring power over the Alsacians made the Prussians so dominating that they even
imposed their language on them. This way the Prussians intended to dominate the hearts
and minds of the Alsacians and wanted them to even think in their language and thereby
lose their complete identity. An order had been received from Berlin that only German
would be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. So there was something unusual
about the school on the last day of the French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was
missing. Everything was ‘strange and solemn’ as on a Sunday morning. The village
elders were seated on the back desks.
M.Hamel, who had been teaching French at the school for the last forty years, was
wearing his formal suit in honour of the last French lesson. While delivering the last
lesson, he called upon his students and the village elders to guard the French language
among themselves and never forget it, declaring French to be the most beautiful language
in the world. Franz developed a sudden fascination for school and the French language
and a sudden respect for M.Hamel. He wanted his teacher to stay and felt very guilty for
having neglected his French lessons as now he was being deprived of the opportunity of
learning his language.
Question 3.
Describe the atmosphere in the class on the day of the last lesson. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
On the day of the last French lesson the atmosphere in the class was strange and solemn.
The school was as quiet as if it was a Sunday morning. The teacher (M.FIamel) moving
in the class with his ruler under his arm was wearing his special dress for the last class.
The elders of the village were sitting on the backbenches of the classroom. All the
students were studying with complete attention and the teacher was teaching with full
dedication. All this was due to an order from Berlin that from the next day German would
be taught instead of French by a new teacher. While delivering the last lesson, the teacher
called upon his students and the village elders to guard the French language among
themselves and never forget it, declaring French to be the most beautiful language in the
world.
LOST SPRING
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
A. “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers, looking straight into my eyes. His dream
looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill his town Firozabad, famous for its
bangles. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is the centre of
India’s glass-blowing industry where families have spent generations working around
furnaces, wielding glass,
making bangles for all the women in the land it seems. Mukesh’s family is among them.
None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to work in the glass furnaces
with high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light; that the law, if enforced,
could get him and all those 20,000 children out of the hot furnaces where they slog their
daylight hours, often losing the brightness of their eyes. Mukesh’s eyes beam as he
volunteers to take me home, which he proudly says is being rebuilt.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE with reference to the extract?
A. Children work in badly lit and inadequately ventilated furnaces.
B. The children are not aware that it is forbidden by law to work..
C. Children work in the furnaces for hours which poorly affects their eyesight.
D. Firozabad has emerged as a budding producer of bangles in the country.
Ans: D
2. The simile ‘dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets’ indicates that
his dream was
A. a reality, yet seemed distant.
B. lost in the sea of dust.
C. illusory and indistinct.
D. hanging in the dusty air.
Ans: C
3. ‘I will learn to drive a car,’ he answers, looking straight into my eyes. This
sentence highlights Mukesh was
1. Determined 2. Fearless 3. Hopeful 4. Valiant 5. Ambitious 6. stern
A. 1 & 5
B. 2 & 4
C. 2 & 5
D. 3 & 6
Ans: A
4. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles indicates that

A. bangle making is the only industry that thrives in Firozabad.
B. Everyone in Firozabad works in the bangle industry.
C. majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
D. bangle making is the most favoured occupation in Firozabad.
Ans: C
B. “If I start a school, will you come?” I ask, half-joking.

“Yes,” he says, smiling broadly. A few days later I see him running up to me. “Is your
school ready?”
It takes longer to build a school”. I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was
not meant. But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.”
Q1.Where does the line occur?
Ans:These lines occur in the prose “Lost Spring” written by Anees Jung.
Q2. Who is referred to as ‘I’?

Ans: Here in this extract from “Lost Spring”, the writer Anees Jung is referred to as ‘I’.
Q3. Why is the speaker embarrassed?

Ans: The speaker is embarrassed because she promised Saheb to enrol in her school after
she built it. But as she did not do it and Saheb enquired about her school, she was
embarrassed.
Q4. Find out the word from the passage which means ‘plenty’?
Ans:The word ‘plenty’ means abound.
E. “Saheb left his home long ago. Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not
even a distant memory. There were many storms that swept away their fields and homes,
his mother tells him.” That’s why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now
lives.
“I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away. “Go to school,” I say glibly,
realising immediately how hollow the advice must sound.
Q1. Who is the speaker here?

Ans: Anne’s Jung,the author of ‘Lost Spring’ is the speaker here.
Q2. Who are ‘they’?

Ans: Here ‘they’ refers to the family of Saheb.
Q3. From where did ‘they’ come?

Ans: They came from Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Q4. What do they do now?

Ans: Now they pick rags in the dustbins in Delhi.
Q5. What has been swept away by storms?

Ans: The homes and fields of Saheb’s family were washed away by storms.
C. “I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away. “Go to school,” I say glibly,
realising immediately how hollow the advice must sound. “There is no school in my
neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.” “If I start a school, will you come?” I
ask, half-joking. “Yes,” he says, smiling broadly. A few days later I see him running up to
me. “Is your school ready?” “It takes longer to build a school,” I say, embarrassed at
having made a promise that was not meant. But promises like mine abound in every
corner of his bleak world. (SQP 2021-22)
Q1. Saheb’s muttering and ‘looking away’ suggests his

A. anger
B. shyness
C. embarrassment
D. Anxiety
Ans: C. embarrassment
Q2. Of the four meanings of ‘glibly’, select the option that matches in meaning with
its usage in the extract.
A. showing a degree of informality
B. lacking depth and substance
C. being insincere and deceitful
D. speaking with fluency
Ans: B. lacking depth and substance
Q3. Who do you think Saheb is referring to as ‘they’, in the given sentence? “When
they build one, I will go”
A. The officials
B. The inhabitants
C. The teachers
D. The journalists
Ans: A. The officials
Q4. Select the option that lists the feelings and attitudes corresponding to the
following: (1) I ask half-joking (2) …he says, smiling broadly
1. Part arrogance, part seriousness 1. Part amusement, part irritation

A. B.
2. hesitation 2. submissiveness
1. Part concern, part hurt 1. Part humour, part earnestness
C. D.
2. pride 2. Self belief
Answer: D
Q5. Select the option that lists reasons why Saheb’s world has been called ‘bleak’.
(1) The absence of parental presence
(2) The poor socio-economic conditions
(3) His inability to address problems
(4) His lack of life-skills
(5) The denied opportunities of schooling
A. (1) and (4)
B. (2) and (5)
C. (3) and (5)
D. (2) and (4)
Ans: B. (2) and (5)
Question 1.
What does the writer mean when she says, ‘Saheb is no longer his own master’? (Delhi
2000)
Answer:
Since Saheb now works in a tea-stall, he is now bound to his master and feels burdened.
The steel canister he carries is very heavy as compared to his light plastic bag. The bag
was his own and the canister belongs to his master whose orders he now has to follow. So
he is no longer his own master.
QUESTION-2
Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web?(All India
2010)
Answer:
The author says that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web which starts from
poverty, to indifferences, then to greed and finally to injustice. Mind-numbing toil kills
their hopes and dreams. They cannot organise themselves into cooperatives and have
fallen into a vicious circle of ‘sahukars’, middlemen and the police so they get
condemned to poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Question -3.
Mention any two problems faced by the bangle sellers.(Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
The bangle makers had to work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy
cells without air and light. They are exposed to various health hazards like losing their
eyesight as they work in abysmal conditions in dark and dingy cells. They were also
caught in a web of poverty, burdened by the stigma of caste in which they were born and
also caught in a vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen and policeman.
Question 4.
Why is Saheb unhappy working at the tea i stall? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Saheb was unhappy while working at the tea- stall because he was no longer the master
of his own life. He lost his freedom and carefree look. He had to live and work under the
instructions of the owner of the tea-stall. He was not at liberty to go out and spend time
with his friends.
Question 5.
Describe the irony in Saheb’s name. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Saheb’s full name is Saheb-e-Alam which means ‘Lord of the Universe’. But ironically
Saheb is a poverty-stricken ragpicker who scrounges the garbage dumps to earn his
livelihood. His name is in complete contrast to his miserable existence.
Question 6.
How are Saheb and Mukesh different from each other? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Mukesh’s attitude towards life was different from that of Saheb. Unlike Saheb he was
optimistic about his future and so he dared to dream. He wanted to become a motor
mechanic and also wanted to learn to drive a car. Saheb lacked determination so he
harboured no dreams or ambitions about his future.
Question 1.
The bangle-makers of Ferozabad make bea-utiful bangles and make everyone happy but
they live and die in squalor. Elaborate. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern
over their exploitation in the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard
work and dismal working conditions result in the loss of the childhood of children who
are in this profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are pathetic and
miserable. They work in high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces
due to which child workers especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age
and get prone to other health hazards. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with
garbage and humans and animals live together in these hovels. There is no development
or progress in their lives with the passage of time. They have no choice but to work in
these inhuman conditions. Mind-numbing toil kills their dreams and hopes. They are
condemned to live and die in squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual
exploitation.
Question 2.
What change did Anees Jung see in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the
neighbourhood club? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Saheb was a poor ragpicker who later takes up a job at a tea-stall in an attempt to be a
master of his own destiny. But unfortunately this move further enslaves him. His new job
replaces his light polythene bag with a heavy steel canister.
It even deprives him of roaming around with his friends without a care in the world.
Earlier, though he did not have the security of a regular income, he had his freedom, and
later he did have an assured income at the end of the month but he had lost his freedom.
He was no more a free bird and his own master. He appeared burdened and forlorn. He
was now a bonded labour who had surrendered his freedom. From being a spirited free
bird who was not answerable to anyone he has become bound. He lives in a society
where there is utter lack of compassion and commitment for the upliftment of these
unfortunate children.
Question 3.
‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of
people to a life of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not? (All India 2011)
Answer:
‘Lost Spring’ does indeed highlight the miserable plight of thousands of poor people
whose life is completely marred by abject poverty and thoughtless traditions. They work
extremely hard in the most pathetic conditions and accept poverty and exploitation as
their destiny. Through the lives of Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker, and Mukesh, a bangle
maker, the author highlights the vicious circle of social stigma and poverty which these
people are subjected to. Saheb and Mukesh also represent a growing number of refugee
migrants and people who are forced to live a life of penury. No one shows any kind of
compassion or sensitivity to their pathetic plight and there is also no initiative or
commitment for the upliftment of these downtrodden people. Acute poverty, no
education and no infrastructural development has drained their energy and willpower and
they have no choice but to accept their destiny of inevitable poverty.
Question 4.
What kind of life did Saheb lead at Seemapuri? (Comptt. All India 2016 )
Answer:
Most of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri were refugees from
Bangladesh
who had fled their country and migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971
Indo- Pak war. Their dwellings were structures of mud, tin and tarpaulin with no sewage,
drainage or running water. Picking garbage and rags helped them to earn their daily
bread, gave them a roof over their heads and was their only means of livelihood and
survival. Though these squatters of Seemapuri have no identity but they do have valid
ration cards that enable them to buy grain. Living in Seemapuri, which is on the
periphery of Delhi, is like living in hell. Children here grow up to become partners in
survival to their parents. An army of barefoot children appears every morning, carrying
their plastic bags on their shoulders and disappear by noon. They are forced to live a life
of abject poverty that results in the loss of childhood innocence.
Saheb, a ragpicker, roamed in the streets, scrounging for garbage, barefoot and deprived
of education. Later he starts working in a tea stall but he loses his freedom and carefree
life as he is no longer his own master.
THE DEEP WATER
A. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my
heart at the overpowering force of the waves. My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming
pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I
gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and
trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days and was just
beginning to feel at ease in the water when the misadventure happened. (CBSE QB,
2021)
1. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below
Statement 1: The author’s father laughed to mock his son’s inability to swim.
Statement 2: The author wanted to swim just to prove to his father that he can swim.
A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
Ans. C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
2. “My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories

and stirred childish fears.” It can be inferred that this was a clear case of
A) suppression
B) oppression
C) depression
D) repression
Ans. D) repression
3. The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was that
A) the author slipped and fell into the swimming pool.
B) a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.
C) his coach forgot to teach him how to handle deep water.
D) his father couldn’t help him from drowning into the water
Ans. B) a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.
4. Choose the option that describes the equipment used by the author while learning
to swim.
A) Option 1
B) Option 2
C) Option 3
D) Option 4
Ans. D) Option 4
B. It was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end; and while it was nine feet deep
at the other, the drop was gradual. I got a pair of water wings and went to the pool. I
hated to walk naked into it and show my skinny legs. But I subdued my pride and did it.
1. The author subdued his pride and did it. This shows that he –
A. Hated swimming
B. Loved swimming
C. did not want to swim
D. Was forced to swim
Ans. B Loved swimming
2. What are water wings?

A. A pair of wings to fly over the water
B. A pair of life saving tube to swim in water
C. both a and b
D. None of these
Ans. B. A pair of life saving tube to swim in water
3. He got water wings before going to the pool. This shows that he –
A Was brave
B. Was courageous
C. was rich
D. Was scared
Ans. D. Was scared
4. State true or False –

The writer could drown at the shallow end of the pool
Ans. False
5. Find a synonym of overpower

Ans. Subdue
C. Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over
my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet
and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice… to be drowsy… to go to sleep… no
need to jump… too tired to jump… it’s nice to be carried gently… to float along in
space… tender arms around me… tender arms like Mother’s… now I must go to sleep… I
crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell. (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: The author tried his best to jump out of water.
Statement 2: After a while, the author was not anxious in water.
A) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.

B) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
C) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.
D) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes.
Ans. A) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.
2. The ‘curtain (of life) fell’ corresponds to an aspect of

A) Geometry.
B) History.
C) Sports.
D) Drama
Ans.D) Drama
3. The purpose of using “…” in the above passage is to

A) show omission.
B) indicate pauses.
C) shorten a dialogue.
D) replace an idea.
Ans. B) indicate pauses.
4. Which option indicates that the poet lost consciousness?

A) ‘It was quiet and peaceful.’
B) ‘I crossed to oblivion.’
C) ‘Tender arms like Mother’s.’
D) ‘It wiped out fear.’
Ans. B) ‘I crossed to oblivion.’
Question 1.
How did Douglas finally get rid of the fear he had of water? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
The terror that seized Douglas because of his misadventure with water twice was so
intense that he sought professional help to overcome this fear. He engaged a swimming
instructor who gave him intensive training for six months to ensure he overcame his fear
of water which he eventually did.
Question 2.
What did Douglas experience as he went down to the bottom of the pool for the first
time? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When Douglas is pushed into the pool, he at once goes to the bottom of the pool. The
nine feet deep pool appears like ninety feet to him. He feels a sense of acute uneasiness
and as if his lungs are ready to burst. Despite feeling absolutely suffocated he makes
desperate efforts for survival.
Question 3.
What misadventure did William Douglas experience at the YMCA pool? (Comptt. All
India 2010)
Answer:
A misadventure at the YMCA pool wherein Douglas was thrown into the deeper end of
the pool by a big boy made Douglas afraid of water. He went down into the water three
times but failed to come up. Though he was ultimately saved, a terror of water developed
in him as his lungs filled with water. His head throbbed and his legs felt paralysed thus
making him fear water permanently.
Question 4.
Which two frightening experiences did Douglas have in water in his childhood? (Comptt.
Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Douglas’ first frightening experience in water was when he was three or four years old.
He was knocked down by waves while surfing at California beach. He had been terror-
struck at that time. Years later, his experience at the YMCA pool revived unpleasant
memories when an eighteen year old boy had hurled Douglas into the deep end of the
pool. Both these experiences led Douglas to develop a fear of water.
Question 5.
How did his swimming instructor ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas? (Comptt. All India
2014)
Answer:
To ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas, the instructor began his training with extreme
caution. He attached a rope to a belt and put it around Douglas. The rope went through a
pulley that ran on an overhead cable. Supported by the cable, they went to and fro in the
pool and practiced for weeks together. The instructor taught Douglas to put his face
underwater and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. He then taught him to kick in
water for many weeks. Finally after seven months, the instructor told him to swim the
length of the pool and Douglas’ persistent fear started fading.
Question 6.
‘All we have to fear is fear itself.’ When did Douglas learn this lesson? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Douglas learnt this lesson after he had conquered his fear of water completely. He went
to Lake Wentworth, dived into the warm lake, and swam across to the other shore and
back. He shouted with joy at finally having con¬quered his fear of water and realized the
meaning of Roosevelt’s words.
Question 1.
” There was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.” When did
Douglas start fearing water? Which experience had further strengthened its hold on his
mind and personality? (All India 2010)
Answer:
As a child of three or four years, Douglas had been knocked down by the waves at
California beach. The waves swept over him and he was buried under them. The
overpowering force of water terrorized him and he developed an aversion for water. This
aversion to water resurfaced once again when Douglas was eleven years old and further
strengthened its hold on his mind and personality. An eighteen years old boy tossed little
Douglas into the deep end of the pool. This downward journey into water for the second
time was a nightmarish experience. His legs were almost paralysed, his lungs ached, his
head throbbed and he felt suffocated. Keeping his wits intact, he pushed himself up to the
surface of the swimming pool but all his efforts proved futile. Finally when he came to
his senses he was lying on his stomach beside the pool. Now the haunting fear of water
gripped his heart and he continued to be mortally scared of water for a very long time.
Question 2.
How did Douglas try to save himself from drowning in the YMCA pool? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When his feet hit the bottom of the pool Douglas summoned up all his strength and made
a great spring upwards thinking he would bob to the surface like a cork. But when
nothing like that happened Douglas tried to yell but no sound came out. Now a great
force was pulling him under. He was paralysed under water stiff and rigid with fear. Then
in the midst of the terror came a touch of reason that he should remember to jump when
he hit the bottom. As soon as he felt the tiles under him he reached out his toes towards
them and jumped again with all his strength. Yet again the jump did not make any
difference. The water was still around him. Stark terror took an even deeper hold on him
and he shook and trembled with fright. He could not move his arms and legs. He tried to
call for help but nothing happened. Finally he ceased all his efforts and decided to relax
as blackness swept over his brain.
Question 3.
Describe the efforts made by Douglas to save himself from drowning in the YMCA
swimming pool. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Douglas was picked up and tossed into the deep end of the YMCA swimming pool. At
that time those nine feet seemed a long way down. As his feet hit the bottom he
summoned all his strength and made an upward spring. He came up slowly, opened his
eyes and saw only water. He reached up as if to grab a rope and his hands clutched only
at water. He flailed at the surface of the water, swallowed and choked. He tried to bring
up his legs but they hung as if paralysed. He again started on a journey back to the
bottom of the pool.
Then he remembered the strategy —he would spring from the bottom of the pool and
come like a cork to the surface. He would lie flat on the water, strike out with his arms
and thrash with his legs. Then he would get to the edge of the pool and be safe. Yet again
the jump made no difference and finally Douglas ceased all efforts and relaxed as
blockness swept over his brain.
Question 4.
We always admire those as heroes who face challenges bravely in different phases of life
and emerge successfully. Elaborate on this statement with reference to William Douglas.
(Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Determination and perseverance is a combination of attributes and abilities that drive
people to set goals for themselves and then to take the initiative to achieve these goals.
Douglas was able to overcome his fear of water by the values of positive attitude and
courage. Initially he was afraid of water but his grit and determination made him get an
instructor and overcome his fear. Determination today leads to our success tomorrow. It
is that innate quality in our soul, which comes to surface when an incident irks it. It is a
reflection of our values taught to us by society and circumstances and enables us to
overcome all obstacles.
There is always admiration for heroes like William Douglas who face challenges
courageously and finally emerge successful. For years the fear of water haunted him. It
deprived him of the joy of canoeing, swimming, fishing and boating. However, it was
deliberate, planned and continuous efforts that enabled Douglas to get over his fear. He
was absolutely determined to get rid of his fear and it was due to his perseverance and
resoluteness that he emerged victorious.
THE RATTRAP
A. Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice
to you, in return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at
this Christmas season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the
roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor
wanderers.
The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s
rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear
himself. “Written with friendship and high regard, Captain von Stahle.” (CBSE QB,
2021)
1. Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the

above extract?
A) indebtedness
B) reform
C) self-pity
D) self-awareness
Ans. C) self-pity
2 Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present?

A) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his turn to honesty.
B) It symbolized his successful escape from entrapment as he returned the stolen money.
C) It served as a reminder for Edla to be wary of the dangerous temptations of the world.
D) It was a practical and convenient present that the lady of the house could effectively
use.
Ans. A) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his turn to
honesty.
3 The word ‘frame’ has been used to indicate a rigid structure that surrounds
something such as a picture, door, or windowpane. There are other meanings of
‘frame’ too.
Choose the option that DOES NOT list the meaning of ‘frame’
A) Option (1)
B) Option (2)
C) Option (3)
D) Option (4)
Ans. D) Option (4)
4 This communication includes

1) a promise
2) regret
3) an apology
4) shame
A) only 4
B) only 1
C) 1 & 3
D) 2 & 4
Ans. C) 1 & 3
B. Now that he was no longer able to do day labor, it was his cow which supported him.
Yes, that boss was extraordinary. She could give milk for the creamery every day, and
last month he had received all of thirty kronor in payment. The stranger must have
seemed incredulous, for the old man got up and went to the window, took down a leather
pouch which hung on a nail in the very window frame, and picked out three wrinkled ten-
kronor bills. These he held up before the eyes of his guest, nodding knowingly, and then
stuffed them back into the pouch.
1 Who is ‘He’ in the first line?

A Peddler
B Ironmaster
C Crofter
D Blacksmith
Ans. C Crofter
2 What does the crofter do with the milk?

A Consumed himself
B Supplied to dairy
C Sold it to the people nearby
D Stored it for cheese
Ans. B Supplied to dairy
3 Kronor is a currency of……..
A Venice
B Sweden
C Australia
D Zimbabwe
Ans. B Sweden
4 What is the antonym of the word ‘Incredulous’?

A Unbelievable
B Believable
C Ridiculous
D Ravishing
Ans. A Unbelievable
C. No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond,
who plods along the road, left to his own meditations. But one day this man had fallen
into a line of thought, which really seemed to him entertaining. He had naturally been
thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world
about him — the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages — was
nothing but a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for
people.
1. According to the extract, which of these words best describes the man?
A. reflective
B. impulsive
C. indifferent
D. simpleminded
Ans. A. reflective
2. Rewrite the given sentence after replacing the underlined phrase with its
synonym.
It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people.
Ans. It had never existed for any other purpose than to trap people.
3. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below.
(1) The world offers living beings a life full of pleasure.
(2) However, only compassionate people can enjoy those pleasures.
A. (2) has been caused by (1)
B. (2) is a hypothesis based on (1)
C. (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can be
D. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot be
Ans D. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot be
4 In one sentence, rationalise the given statement.
It is challenging for others to be able to understand the despair of a vagabond’s life.
Ans. No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can be for a homeless person
5 Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
The man who thought that the world was a rattrap lived a life that was interesting.
Ans. sad
6 The mood of the extract can be best described as __________.

A. cautious
B. malicious
C. melancholic
D. apprehensive
Ans C melancholic
Question 1.
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated him with the
honour that was due to a Captain. The peddler, through this mistaken identity, got an
opportunity to raise himself and get above the petty temptations of the world. So he
signed himself as Captain von Stahle.
Question 2.
Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did he
feel? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler discards the public highway and keeps to the woods after leaving the
crofter’s cottage because he wants to avoid being caught with the thirty kronors that he
had stolen from the crofter’s house. He walks through mazes of forest paths but lands
nowhere. When he realizes he has been trapped he feels extremely tired and sinks to the
ground in despair. Question 14.
How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace? (All India
2012)
Answer:
When the iron master saw the stranger lying close to the furnace he walked up to him and
looked him over carefully. Mistaking him for an old acquaintance, a comrade from his
regiment, he got very excited and invited him to come to his cottage.
Question 3.
Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (All India)
Answer:
When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain Nils Olof, an old regimental
comrade, the stranger decides not to correct him as hopes to get a couple of kronors from
the ironmaster. So he does not want to undeceive him all at once.
Question 4.
In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
According to the peddler the whole world with its lands, seas, cities and villages was
nothing but a big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. If offered riches and joys,
shelter, food and clothing as the rattrap offered cheese and pork and as soon as anyone let
himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed on him and then everything came to an
end.
Question 5.
Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the world being a rattrap? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The world had never been very kind to the peddler. So it gave him unwanted joy to think
of the world with its lands and seas, cities and villages as nothing but a big rattrap that
sets baits for people in the form of riches, joys and other necessities, and as soon as one
got tempted, it closed in on him.
Question 6.
Describe the crofter’s meeting with the rattrap peddler. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter gave the rattrap peddler shelter for a night. He was very hospitable with the
peddler. He gave the peddler supper, tobacco to smoke, played cards with him and even
shared his confidences with him.
Question 1.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love. (Delhi 2006)
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the
trap of material gains. However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring
out his essential human goodness. The peddler had been treated very cruelly by the
world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him, he betrayed his
trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s
invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding brought about a
transformation in his nature. Her human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.
He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The peddler who always considered
the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap due to the
sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willmansson that was able to
bring out his basic human goodness.
Question 2.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the iron-master’s
Question 3.
‘The Rattrap’ highlights the impact of compassion and understanding on the hidden
goodness in human beings. Substantiate with evidence from the story. (Comptt. All India
2011)
Answer:
trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s
Question 4.
How did the seller of rattraps realize that he himself was caught up in a rattrap after he
left the crofter’s cottage? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
After robbing the crofter the peddler felt quite pleased with his smartness. He
immediately realised that he could not dare to continue with his journey on the public
highway so he turned off the road, into the woods. During the first few hours his decision
caused him no difficulty but later it became worse for he had gotten into a big and
confusing forest. He continued to walk and when he came to the end of the forest he
realized that he had been walking around in the same part of the forest. Then he recalled
his thoughts about the world and the rattrap and knew his own turn had come. He had let
himself be fooled by a bait of thirty kronors and had been caught. His reaction reveals his
gloom and despair as he realized the forest had closed in open upon him like an
impenetrable prison from which he thought he could never escape. It also reveals that he
was basically a good person at heart and was repentant of his folly.
INDIGO
A. They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had
illegally and deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 per cent.
“There he seemed adamant,” writes Reverend J. Z. Hodge, a British missionary in
Champaran who observed the entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he
would not give way, the representative of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25
per cent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his word, thus breaking the
deadlock.” This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission. (CBSE
QB,2021)
1 Gandhi knew that he would not get an agreement on the demand for 50%
repayment.
Choose the option that offers the correct justification for the assumption made
above.
A) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics of the planter’s representative.
B) He had been informed about the depleting funds of the planters.
C) He had taken the advice of the Reverend on board.
D) He had evaluated the commission’s attitude towards Indians
Ans. A) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics of the planter’s representative.
2 Given below are four real-life situations. Choose the option that perfectly
describes a deadlock.
A) Situation 1
B) Situation 2
C) Situation 3
D) Situation 4
Ans. B) Situation 2
3 Based on the given context, choose the option that exemplifies a deceitful
extortion, out of the examples given below.
1. The artisans demonstrated for their rights, 2. The head of the artisan union pretended
peacefully, on the streets. to address all the problems faced by them.
3. The head of the artisan union came with 4. The artisans in Hafr Gunj decided to sell
goons and took all the assets of the poor their wares directly to the government
artisans. outlets
A) Option 1
B) Option 2
C) Option 3
D) Option 4
Ans. C) Option 3
4 The deadlock broke because

A) Gandhi’s settlement offer was worth considering.
B) All commission members agreed to adopt the representative’s offer.
C) Reverend J. Z. Hodge’s intervention brought both parties together.
D) The sharecroppers refused to be convinced by the commission.
Ans. B) All commission members agreed to adopt the representative’s offer.
B.There Shukla led him to the house of a lawyer named Rajendra Prasad who later
became President of the Congress party and of India. Rajendra Prasad was out of town,
but the servants knew Shukla as a poor yeoman who pestered their master to help the
indigo sharecroppers. So they let him stay on the grounds with his companion, Gandhi,
whom they took to be another peasant. But Gandhi was not permitted to draw water from
the well lest some drops from his bucket pollute the entire source; how did they know that
he was not an untouchable?
1 What does the word ‘Yeoman’ mean?

A. Man holding and cultivating a small land
B. Man who looks at others repulsively
C. Man who bothers everyone
D. None of these
Ans. (A) Man holding and cultivating a small land
2 Name the author of this chapter.

A Louis Updike
B Louis Fishing
C Louis Fischer
D Louis Fisherman
Ans. C Louis Fischer
3 Why was Gandhi not permitted to draw water from the well?
A For he was considered as a touchable
B For he was considered as an untouchable
C For he was accompanied by Shukla
D None of these
Ans. B For he was considered as an untouchable
4 Whom was Gandhi accompanied by?

A Louis Updike
B Raj Kumawat Shukla
C Raj Kumar Shukla
D Kasturbai Gandhi
Ans. C Raj Kumar Shukla
C. They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in trouble with
the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse
was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. The officials felt powerless
without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He was polite and
friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and
unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians. The government was baffled. The
prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished
to consult their superiors.(CBSE Sample Paper 2020)
1 . The officials felt powerless because

A. of Gandhi’s refusal to cooperate with them.
B. of Gandhi’s polite and friendly behavior.
C. The crowd was listening only to Gandhi.
D. the crowd was getting violent.
Ans. C. The crowd was listening only to Gandhi.
2 The demonstration proved that the

A. policies of the British had failed.
B. dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.
C. dealings with the Indian citizens had been unsuccessful.
D. might of the British had not been understood by Indians.
Ans. B. dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.
3 Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, when he says,
“Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.”?
A. humorous
B. dramatic
C. sarcastic
D. persuasive
Ans. C. sarcastic
4 Gandhiji’s behavior towards the British prior to the proposal of postponement of

the trial was that of
A. indifference.
B. calm acceptance.
C. ignorance of consequences.
D. polite helpfulness.
Ans. B. calm acceptance.
Question 1.
Why did Gandhiji agree to the planters’ offer of a 25 percent refund to the farmers?
(Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they
offered only 25 percent. Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of
the refund was of less importance. More important was the fact that the planters had been
forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their settlement.
Question 2.
How did Gandhiji help the peasants of Champaran? (All India 2009)
Answer:
At Champaran, the British landlords forced all the tenants to plant 15 per cent of their
holding with indigo and then surrender the entire harvest as rent. This increased the
misery of the poor tenants. But when synthetic indigo was developed and indigo
plantation was no longer profitable, the landlords obtained fresh agreements from
sharecroppers to pay them compensation for releasing them from the 15% arrangement.
Gandhiji came in at this time and through non-violent civil disobedience he forced the
landlords to refund 25 per cent of the compensation money to the peasants.
Question 3.
Why did Gandhiji accept 25 percent compensation? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they
offered only 25 percent. Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of
the refund was of less importance. More important was the fact that the planters had been
forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their settlement.
Question 4.
What made the Lieutenant Governor drop the case against Gandhiji? (Comptt. All India
2014)
Answer:
The Lieutenant Governor was forced to drop the case against Gandhiji because the
lawyers had told Gandhiji that they would follow him into jail. So the Lieutenant
Governor wrote to the Magistrate ordering him to drop the case against Gandhiji.
Question 5.
How was Gandhi treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? (All India 2015)
Answer:
In Patna Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of
town but his servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad (their
master) to help the indigo sharecroppers. So he was allowed to stay there with his
companion. But Gandhiji was not permitted to draw water from the well lest he be an
untouchable and some drops of water from his bucket pollute the entire source.
Question 6.
Why was Gandhiji unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur? Why was he against taking
cases to the law courts? (Comptt. All India)
Answer:
Gandhiji was unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur as they were collecting a huge
fee from the peasants. He was against taking the case to the law courts as he knew the
fear stricken peasants would be further crushed and exploited in the court. Gandhiji
wanted to free the farmers from the fear of Britishers.

Question 1.
Describe the difficulties faced by Gandhi at Champaran. (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there.
Most of the land in Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who
hired Indian tenants to grow indigo there. The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and
had to surrender 15 per cent of the indigo harvest as rent to the British. After synthetic
indigo was developed the Englishmen obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to
pay them compensation. Many refused to sign and others wanted their money back. At
this point Gandhiji arrived in Champaran with an aim to free the peasants from fear. He
collected all the facts and met the commissioner who tried to bully him and advised him
to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of securing justice for the
oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities
several times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
Question 2.
Why and how did Raj Kumar Shukla persu-ade Gandhiji to visit Champaran? (Comptt.
AI 2010)
Answer:
Raj Kumar Shukla was an illiterate and oppressed indigo farmer from Champaran who
came to invite Gandhiji to visit his district where injustice and oppression was rampant.
He wished Gandhiji to accompany him to Champaran and sort out the problems of the
miserable peasants. Gandhiji mentioned about his prior engagements to Shukla but he did
not give up and followed Gandhiji everywhere. He kept urging Gandhiji to visit
Champaran. Finally his persistent and patience bore fruits and Gandhiji agreed to
accompany him to Champaran immediately after his Calcutta visit. Gandhiji’s
truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and undeterred efforts spelled the triumph of the
campaign against the unjust British rulers. What began as an attempt to fight for justice
against the hapless peasants later turned out to be a clear proclamation that the Indians
would not submit to British tyranny meekly.
Question 3.
How did Gandhiji use satyagraha and non-violence at Champaran to achieve his goal?
(2011)
Answer:
Gandhiji reached Champaran with a goal to alleviate the peasants’ sufferings at the hands
of the British landlords. He met the Secretary of the Landlords’ Association and the
Commissioner who told him to leave Champaran. They signed the order but also wrote
that Gandhiji would disobey it and sent a full report to the Viceroy. This was followed by
spontaneous demonstrations by thousands of peasants around the court house. The
lawyers too resolved to follow Gandhiji to jail forcing the case against him to be dropped.
This was the first victory of Civil Disobedience. Then an official enquiry into the indigo
sharecroppers’ situation was instituted and the landlords agreed to refund the peasants.
The sharecropper accepted the 25 per cent refund. The landlords surrendered a part of the
money with a part of their prestige. So Gandhiji achieved his objective in removing the
fear of the poor peasants and getting justice for them through ‘satyagraha’ and ‘non-
violence’.
Question 4.
Give an account of Gandhiji’s efforts to secure justice for the poor indigo sharecroppers
of Champaran. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji took up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers at Champaran. He fought against
the injustice of the cruel British landlords who extorted money from the poor
sharecroppers. Gandhiji collected all the facts and met the Commissioner. He tried to
threaten Gandhiji and advised him to leave from there. But Gandhiji was undeterred. He
decided to launch a peaceful ‘satyagraha’ and non-violent movement. This led to
spontaneous demonstra¬tions in Motihari. Thousands of peasants challenged the
Britishers and the government was baffled. Despite earlier hesitations the prominent
lawyers declared their uncondi¬tional support to Gandhiji. Finally Gandhiji’s peaceful
and non-violent civil disobedience bore the desired results. The indigo share¬croppers at
Champaran secured justice and the landlords agreed to refund 25 per cent of the
compensation money.
POETS AND PANCAKES
EXTRACTS BASED QUESTION
A. His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements - or so his
critics felt. He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction
and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly
etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the
Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor-he never aspired to the
lead roles-but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed
better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came
across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations
and acquaintances.
i. Which of these statements is NOT TRUE about Subbu?
a. His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films.

b. He was a gifted poet and writer and his literary works were noteworthy.
c. He was selfless in nature and was empathetic towards others.
d. He never hankered after lead roles and performed minor roles in films.
Ans. Option (a)
ii. The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’. Pick the option with
which the word ‘sprawling’ CANNOT be used.
a. metropolis
b. handwriting
c. campus
d. portrait
Ans. Option (d)
iii. The phrase ‘deftly etched’ shows that Subbu
a. created the roles delicately.
b. was skillful in creating the characters.
c. pondered beyond necessity about the characters.
d. gave very little thought to the characters.
Ans. Option (b)
iv. Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the extract.
1. benevolent
2. powerful
3. accomplished
4. witty
5. generous
6. temperamental
a. 4, 5 & 6
b. 2, 3 & 4
c. 1, 3 & 5
d. 3, 4 & 6
Ans. Option (c)
B. A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly
experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that she
had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt
that day. That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser,
who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that
sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi
dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal
adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail.
Often, he looked alone and helpless …
i. Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately.
‘Stages of worldly experience’ in the given context would refer to _____.
a. good education to gain knowledge.
b. situations that require one to be street smart.
c. smaller, not-so-important roles in acting.
d. training in soft skills.
Ans. Option (b)
ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:
sealed: closed :: propelled: _____.
Ans. catapulted
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.
The harm done to the actress was a/an _____.
a. well-planned act.
b. unintentional act.
c. act of jealousy.
d. act of male dominance.
Ans. Option (b)
iv. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the legal
adviser.
a. He disliked the actress from the countryside.
b. He acted after thinking through things carefully.
c. He did not gel well with others in the Department.
d. He was always dressed smartly.
Ans. (c)
v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the writer is
sympathetic towards the professional fate of the actor. (Clue: a phrase)
Ans. Sad end
vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
The writer uses the word ‘uniform’ to refer to the outfits of the Department
members because just like a uniform _____.
Ans. ... is a common dress code for all, similarly, their apparel/ dress was nearly the same
- loose khadi shirt and khadi dhoti.
C. Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated
leisure, a pre-requisite for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji
but beyond that, they had not the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind.
Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A communist was a godless
man-he had no filial or conjugal love; he had no compunction about killing his own
parents or his children; he was always out to cause and spread unrest and violence
among innocent and ignorant people. Such notions, which prevailed everywhere else in
South India at that time also, naturally, floated about vaguely among the khadi-clad
poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was soon forthcoming.
i. Pick the option that uses the same figure of speech as ‘A communist is a godless
man.’
a. She is as determined as Gandhi when it is a fight against injustice.
b. She is a Gandhi when she raises her voice against ‘hinsa’ or violence.
c. She, like Gandhi, feels that the earth is crying for deliverance.
d. She lives a life of opulence and calls herself a follower of Gandhi.
Ans. Option (b)
ii. Based on the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
 Statement 1: At Gemini Studios, the poets had a profound knowledge of

Communists.
 Statement 2: Communists were responsible for anarchy and discontent in the
country.
a. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
d. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
Ans. Option (d)
iii. Why do you think leisure is a prerequisite for poetry?
a. Poetry means freedom of expression.
b. One can enjoy poetry when there’s free time.
c. In order to write poetry, one needs free time.
d. Poetry means freedom from work.
Ans. Option (c)

iv. Asokamitran says that leisure is a prerequisite for poetry. He says this because
poets
a. need to relax for a period of time before composing lines.
b. maintain a leisurely pace in all tasks they do.
c. are creative and need to have free time to weave their thoughts.
d. begin poetic compositions in a rushed way and end in a relaxed manner.
Ans. Option (c)
Question 1.
Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to us as unexplained mystery? (2002 Delhi)
Answer:
The visit of the Englishman raised many queries and doubts in the minds of those who
were working in Gemini Studios. The Englishman’s name was unfamiliar and his
credentials too were unconfirmed. No one could understand his speech so everyone
wondered why he had come to a film studio that made Tamil films for simple people who
had no interest in English poetry.
Question 2.
How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience
at Gemini Studios? (2006 Delhi)
Answer:
The English poet’s address was a complete misfit in the midst of the Tamil knowing
audience at Gemini Studios. His speech was incongruous and his accent so indistinct that
no one actually understood a word of what he said. He was talking about the thrills and
travails of an English poet to a dazed audience. Finally, neither the Englishman himself
nor his audience understood why they were going through the entire ordeal.
Question 3.
What were the positive qualities of Subbu that the writer admired? (2009 Delhi; 2011
Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The writer admired Subbu as he was a multi¬faceted genius and gave a new direction and
. definition to Gemini Studios. Subbu knew the technicalities and details of film-making
and was a good actor and writer. He was civil, friendly and completely devoted to his
boss, Mr. Vasan.
Question 4.
Why was Subbu considered number two at Gemini Studios? (2009 Outside Delhi; 2012
Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Subbu was a go-getter and made a position for himself in the studios by pushing his way
to the forefront with flattery. Mr. Vasan was the boss at Gemini Studios and Subbu, his
right-hand man, became the number two at Gemini Studios. Subbu used his entire
creativity to his boss’s advantage. He was a multi-faceted genius and if a producer was
not satisfied Subbu would come up with fourteen alternatives. With Subbu around, film-
making became a sheer pleasure. Moreover Subbu gave direction and definition to
Gemini Studios during its golden years.
Question 5.
How did the author discover who the English visitor to the Studios was? (2012 Delhi)
Or
How did Asokamitran come to know that the English visitor to the Gemini Studios was
Stephen Spender? (2012 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Years later, when Asokamitran was out of Gemini Studios he bought a pile of brand new
books at a reduced price from a footpath in front of Madras Mount Road Post Office. In a
book ‘The God That Failed’ six eminent writers had described their journeys into
communism. It was in this book that he came across the name of Stephen Spender and
finally discovered the identity of the English visitor to the Studios.
Question 6.
Why did Asokamitran pray for crowd¬shooting all the time?
Answer:
Asokamitran was wrongly believed to have nothing to do so the office-boy often came to
his cubicle to give an outlet to his frustrations and stress the fact that a great talent was
being wasted. The author was bored with the office boy’s never-ending babble and
prayed for crowd-shooting all the time so that the boy remained busy and did not pester
him.
LONG QUESTION ASWERS
Question 1.
Kothamangalam Subbu was a ‘many-sided genius’. Elaborate. (2000 Delhi)
Or
Why is Subbu described as a many-sided genius? Give a reasoned answer. (2013 Comptt.
Outside Delhi)
Answer:
It is through the character of Kothamangalam Subbu, that the author depicts a caricature
of the so-called ‘go-getters’ who are not really talented but manage to create an aura of
talent around themselves. Though officially on the rolls of the Story Department at
Gemini Studios, he was always with the boss. Subbu directs all his energies and creativity
to his boss’ advantage. He delves into the various spheres of film-making successfully
giving the impression of being a brilliant story-writer, a talented actor and a man who is
always ready with many solutions for any problem. He makes the art of film-making
appear rather easy for his boss. Thus Subbu with his scheming nature takes advantage of
his boss’ gullibility and passes off himself as a multi-sided genius with multi-faceted
abilities.
Question 2.
Why and how was the Moral Re-Armament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studios?
(2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army comprising of a group of two hundred
people belonging to twenty nationalities visited Madras in 1952. The MRA was seen to
be a counter movement to international communism and people at the Gemini Studios did
not think highly of communism and communists. But Mr. Vasan, the boss at Gemini
Studios was fascinated by the MRA, so they could not have found a ‘warmer’ host than
Gemini Studios in India. The MRA presented two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The
Forgotten Factor’ in the most professional manner. Six hundred people of the Gemini
Studios saw the plays many times. These plays conveyed simple messages but their sets
and costumes were ‘first rate’. They impressed both the Tamil drama community and the
Gemini Studios. The sunrise and sunset scenes of ‘Jotham Valley’ continued to be copied
for years to come.
Question 3.
What political significance does Gemini Studios’ invitation to Moral Re-Armament army
and Stephen Spender show? (2012 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The Moral Re-Armament army was a kind of counter movement to Communism and the
people at the Gemini Studios had a natural aversion towards Communists and
Communism. They considered that the aim of Communists was to spread unrest and
violence. So by being a ‘warm host’ to the Moral Re¬Armament army the people at the
Gemini Studios actually displayed a counter movement to the ideas of Communism. By
inviting Stephen Spender, once again the purpose of the Gemini Studios was to highlight
how a renowned English poet, who was once attracted to Communism, was later
completely disillusioned by it. This further strengthened their aversion to Communism
and they were able to publicly display this aversion.
THE INTERVIEW
A. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
Since its invention a little over 130 years ago, the interview has become a commonplace
of journalism. Today, almost everybody who is literate will have read an interview at
some point in their lives, while from the other point of view, several thousand celebrities
have been interviewed over the years, some of them repeatedly. So it is hard to supervise
the opinions of the interview of its functions, methods and merits very considerably.
1. What is an interview? What’s its place in journalism?

Ans. An interview is a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an
interviewee. It is commonplace in journalism.
2. What is the relation of an interview with a celebrity?

Ans. Though, according to the text, most of the celebrities despise interviews but
several thousand times, celebrities have been interviewed over the years, some of
them repeatedly.
3. What is an interview for a literate person?

Ans. For a literate person, an interview is an exciting content through which he
comes to know about their idols.
4. Name the chapter and the writer.

Ans. The chapter is ‘The Interview’ by Christopher Silvester.
B. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
The interviewer is Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu. Umberto Eco, a professor at
the University of Bologna in Italy had already acquired a formidable reputation as a
scholar for his ideas on semiotics (the study of signs), literary interpretation, and
medieval aesthetics before he turned to writing fiction. Literary fiction, academic texts,
essays, children’s books, newspaper articles— his written output is staggeringly large
and wide-ranging. In 1980, he acquired the equivalent of intellectual superstardom with
the publication of The Name of the Rose, which sold more than 10 million copies.
1. What newspaper is Mukund Padmanabhan from?
Ans. Mukund Padmanabhan is from The Hindu.
2. Why was Umberto Eco reputed?

Ans. Umberto Eco was a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy who had
already acquired a formidable reputation as a scholar for his ideas on semiotics
(the study of signs), literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before he
turned to writing fiction.
3. Which book did Umberto Eco write?

Ans. Umberto Eco published the book- The Name of the Rose.
4. How many copies were sold of Umberto Eco’s book?

Ans. The Name of the Rose sold more than 10 million copies.
C. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: (CBSE SAMPLE
QUESTION PAPER 2022-23)
Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of
truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its
victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel
that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that if
one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul.
1. What is the most likely reason some people consider the practice of interviews to
be an art? This could be because it requires
A fluency of words.
B sensitive and careful handling.
C creativity and imagination.
D probing and focusing on details.
Ans. C creativity and imagination.
2. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
Celebrities feel that an interview diminishes them.
Ans. Celebrities feel that interviews make them look like common people.
3. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
(1) Celebrities don’t consent to be interviewed.
(2) Interviews intrude on the privacy of celebrities.
A (1) Can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

B (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.
C (1) is true but (2) is false.
D (2) is the reason for (1).
Ans. D (2) is the reason for (1).
4. Rationalise, to support the given opinion: To say that an interview, in its highest
form, is a source of truth, is an extravagant claim.
Ans. It is an extravagant claim as an interview cannot be a source of truth due to the
following- Interview may be scripted OR People may make false statements OR Certain
questions may be left unanswered.
5. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract. Some celebrities
hate the idea of having to give an interview because it makes them feel like
supporters.
Ans. victims
6. The author’s views on the interview, in the extract, can best be described as
statements based on __________.
A facts
B hypothesis
C beliefs
D superstitions
Ans. A facts
SHORT QUESTION ANSWER
Question 1.
Why did Umberto Eco prefer himself to be called an academician than a novelist? (2000
Delhi)
Answer:
Despite achieving fame as a novelist, Eco preferred to associate himself with the
academic community because his non-fictional work occupied him for the first fifty years
of his life. He wrote his first novel at the age of around fifty. He identified himself more
with the academic community and resorts to writing fiction only when he’was not
pursuing some scholarly work.
Question 2.
State the reason for the huge success of the novel, “The Name of the Rose”. (2008 Delhi)
Answer:
There is no one reason for the huge success of the novel “The Name of the Rose’.
Umberto Eco himself calls its success a mystery. It is possible that this detective story
that delved into metaphysics, theology and medieval history, interested the readers
because the time in which it was written was most appropriate, neither a decade earlier
nor a decade later.
Question 3.
What did the publisher think of ‘The Name of the Rose’? (2008 Delhi; 2012 Delhi)
Answer:
The American publisher of ‘The Name of the Rose’ loved and liked the novel but did not
expect to sell more than 3,000 copies. No one goes to a cathedral or studies Latin in
America so it was really difficult to sell such a novel there. But the publisher was proved
wrong as two to three million copies of the novel were sold in America.
Question 4.
How did Lewis Carroll react to the interviews? (2012 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Or
What was Lewis Carroll’s attitude towards being interviewed? (2010 Comptt. Outside
Delhi)
Answer:
Lewis Carrol shunned interviews for the fear of being projected as larger than life. He
vehemently refused to give interviews and kept his fans, acquaintances and interviewers
at an arm’s length. This give him a great sense of satisfaction.
Question 5.
What drawbacks of interviews have been pointed out by Lewis Carrol? (2010 Delhi)
Answer:
Lewis Carrol considers interviews as an ‘unwarranted intrusion’ that is immoral and an
offence against his person. He shunned interviews for fear of being projected as larger
than life. His vehement refusal for interviews
enabled him to keep his fans as well as interviews at an arm’s length.
Question 1.
What made the American publisher think that the novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ won’t
sell in America? What actually happened? What was the secret of its success? (2013
Delhi)
Or
What is the reason for the huge success of the novel “The Name of the Rose” according
to Umberto Eco? (2002 Delhi)
Answer:
The American publisher believed that people like trash whereas ‘The Name of the Rose’
delved into metaphysics, theology and medieval history and people do not like these
difficult reading experiences. Through his novel, which sold between 10 to 15 million
copies, Umberto Eco reached only a small percentage of readers. But, according to him, it
is those kind of readers who do not want easy experiences, or at least, do not always want
this. Umberto Eco cannot categorically state the reason for the huge success of the novel,
‘The Name of the Rose’. He himself refers to its success as a mystery. He feels this
detective story that delved into metaphysics, theology and medieval history interested the
readers as it was written at the most appropriate time. Had it been written a decade earlier
or later, it would not have been so successful. The way the book stormed the literary
world, once it was out, surprised everyone. Even though it contained somewhat heavy
reading, the book attracted a mass audience and Eco became famous as a novelist, rather
than an academic scholar the world over.
Question 12.
Why did Umberto Eco start writing novels and when? What does Eco say about the huge
success of his novel, ‘The Name of the Rose’ in spite of it being a difficult and very
serious novel? (2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Umberto Eco was essentially an academician who pursued his scholarly pursuits through
academic writings. He wrote about forty non¬fictions and as he himself says, ‘he became
a novelist by accident’. That was the reason he started writing novels at the age of almost
fifty. Eco considers himself ‘a university professor who writes novels (only) on Sundays’.
He is not even very sure about any one single reason for the huge success of his novel
‘The Name of the Rose’. He feels perhaps the timing of the novel’s publication was the
most important factor of its success. The fact that at one level it appears to be a detective
yarn but also delves into metaphysics, theology and medieval history also adds to its
appeal. Though the novel is quite a heavy reading experience, it attracted a mass audience
and made Eco popular more as a novelist rather than an academic scholar.
Question 16.
Why do some celebrity writers not like being interviewed?
Answer:
Some celebrities see themselves as victims, and despise the interview as an unwarranted
intrusion into their lives. They feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some
primitive cultures it is believed that ‘if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody
then one is stealing that person’s soul’. V.S. Naipaul feels that ‘some people are wounded
by interviews and lose a part of themselves’. Lewis Carroll says that he has ‘just a horror
for the interviewer’ and he never consented to be interviewed. Rudyard Kipling
expressed an even more condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer. His wife reports
her husband as saying that he considered an interview as a crime and immoral and thus it
merits punishment.
GOING PLACES
A. Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the
incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings. The
delicate seeming bow and the crooked back. The evening has already
blacked in the windows and the small room was steady from the stone and
cluttered with the heavy breathing man in his vest at the table and the dirty
washing piled up in the corner. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat. She
went to look for her brother Geoff.
1. Whose bow did Sophie watch and what did she feel?
Ans. Sophie watched the back bow of her own mother stooped over the sink and
wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow.
2. What was the condition of the small room?

Ans The small room was steamy from the stove and cluttered with the heavy
breathing man in his vest at the table and the dirty washing piled up in the corner.
3. What did Sophie feel and what did she do then?

Ans. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat and she went to look for her brother
Geoff.
4. Name the chapter and its writer.

Ans. The chapter’s name is ‘Going Places’ and its writer is A. R. Barton’.
And afterwards you wait there alone in the arcade for a long while, standing where he
stood remembering the soft melodious voice, the shimmer of green eyes. No taller than
you No bolder than you. The prodigy, The innocent genius, the great Danny Casey And
she saw it all again, last Saturday saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders, heard the
fifty thousand catch their breath as he hovered momentarily over the ball, and then the
explosion of sound as he struck it crisply into the goal, the sudden thunderous eruption of
exultant approbation.
1. What was she remembering about Danny Casey?

Ans. She was remembering about the scene of the arcade where he stood. She
remembered the soft melodious voice and the shimmer of green eyes.
2. What titles did she use for Danny Casey?

Ans. She titled Danny Casey “No taller than you the prodigy, the innocent genius,
the great Danny Casey.
3. When and what did she see last Saturday?

Ans. Last Saturday, she saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders, and heard
the fifty thousand catch their breath as he hovered momentarily over the balk.
C. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
After dark she walked by the canal along a sheltered path lighted only by the glare of the
lamps from the wharf across the water, and the unceasing drone of the city was muffled
and distant. It was a place she had often played in when she was a child. There was a
wooden bench beneath a solitary elm where lovers sometimes came. She sat down to wait
for it to be the perfect place, she had always thought so for a meeting of this kind. For
those who wished not to be observed. She knew he would approve
1. After dark, where did she walk along?

Ans. After dark she walked by the canal, along a sheltered path lit only by the
glare of the lamps from the wharf across the water.
2. Why was that place suitable for meeting?

Ans. The unceasing drone of the city was muffled and distant, so that place was
suitable for meeting.
3. Where and why did she sit?
Ans. There was a wooden bench beneath a solitary elm where lovers sometimes
came, she sat down there to wait.
4. Why was it a perfect place?

Ans. It was a perfect place because lovers meeting there could not be observed by
anyone.
Question 1.
“Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing not a Jansie thing.” Why did Sophie say so?
(Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Sophie had cooked up the story of her meeting with Danny Casey to impress Geoff
who was a great fan of the football prodigy. She knew this news would be of great
interest to her brother. She had also thought her brother would keep her secret. She
did not want Jansie, who was ‘nosey’, to know about this. So when Geoff told Jansie,
Sophie cursed him because she knew Jansie would spread her story in the entire
neighbourhood.
Question 2.
Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Jansie told Sophie that Geoff had given her the news of her (Sophie’s) meeting with
Danny Casey. Sophie cursed Geoff for telling Jansie this because it was meant to be
something special between Geoff and her. ‘It wasn’t the jansie kind of thing at all’.
Jansie was ‘nosey’ and now the whole neighbourhood would come to know her story.
Question 3.
Did Geoff keep his promise to Sophie? How do you know? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
No, Geoff did not keep his promise to Sophie. He told Sophie’s secret to Jansie’s
brother Frank who in turn told Jansie about it. We know this because Jansie questions
Sophie about her meeting with footballer, Danny Casey and Sophie is startled that
Jansie knows about this meeting.
Question 4.
Why did Sophie want to keep her story with Danny a secret from Jansie? (Comptt. All
India 2012)
Answer:
Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey
because she knew Jansie was good at spreading rumours. Telling anything to Jansie
was like telling the whole town. Sophie had made up this story only for her family
and she did not want this story to spread in the town.
Question 5.
Why does Jansie discourage Sophie from living in a world of fantasy? (Comptt. Delhi
2013)
Answer:
Jansie was a realistic and practical girl who knew both she and Sophie were
earmarked for the biscuit factory. So she discouraged Sophie from living in a world of
fantasy. Whenever Sophie expressed her wishes aloud Jansie became melancholic and
told Sophie to behave sensibly.
Question 6.
What was Sophie’s ambition in life? How did she hope to achieve that? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Sophie’s ambition in life was either to have her own boutique and be a fashion
designer or to be an actress. She wanted to do something a bit sophisticated. She
hoped to achieve her ambition by being a manager at a boutique to start with and then
save enough money to have her own boutique.
Question 7.
Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from hav-ing dreams? (All India 2017)
Answer:
Jansie was a realistic and practical girl who knew both she and Sophie were
earmarked for the biscuit factory. So she discouraged Sophie from living in a world of
fantasy. Whenever Sophie expressed her wishes aloud Jansie became melancholic and
told Sophie to behave sensibly.
LONG QUESTION ANSWER
Question 1.
Contrast Sophie’s real world with her fantasies. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents
and elder brother. But her dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her
dreams are far beyond her reach. So she wishes to open a boutique, entertains the idea of
being an actress and also aspires to be a fashion designer. Her dreamy disposition and
romantic allusions lead her to hero-worship the wonder-footballer, Danny Casey towards
whom she develops a romantic fascination. Though she sees him only once in person she
sits for hours imagining Danny Casey coming to her. The incurable dreamer in her
remains an escapist who wants to remain away from her real world.
Question 2.
Jansie is just as old as Sophie but she is very different from her. Bring out the contrast
bet¬ween the two friends citing relevant instances from the story, “Going Places”. (All
India 2009)
Answer:
Sophie and Jansie were classmates as well as friends. They both belonged to lower
middle- class families. But that is where their similarity ends. There is a striking contrast
between their characters. Sophie is a day-dreamer and Jansie is practical. Sophie lives in
a world of dreams and does not want to come out of this fairyland. She is an incurable
escapist and dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer.
Jansie, on the other hand, is very grounded. Jansie has her feet firmly planted on the
ground and knows they are both ‘earmarked for the biscuit factory’. She knows big things
require big money and experience which they lack desperately. She advises Sophie to be
sensible and not entertain wild dreams. Sophie and Jansie’s temperaments differ greatly.
While Sophie shares her dreams only with one person, her brother Geoff, Jansie on the
other hand is nosey. She takes an interest in learning new things about others and can
spread stories in the whole neighbourhood.
Question 3.
Geoff and Sophie are different from each other, though they belong to the same family.
Com¬ment with examples from the text. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
Though Geoff and Sophie belong to the same family they are very different from each
other. Geoff, Sophie’s elder brother is an apprentice mechanic who travelled to work to
the far side of the city everyday. He lived in reality and spoke little. In fact Sophie felt
that words had to be prized out of him like stone out of the ground. He had a life of his
own and though he listened to Sophie’s fantasies, he did not believe her. Sophie, on the
other hand, lived in a dream world. She dreams of having a boutique, becoming an
actress or a fashion designer. She is a day-dreamer and an incurable escapist. She
imagines meeting the football prodigy Danny Casey. Geoff is the most important member
of her family for Sophie who wishes to be admitted into her brother’s affections so that
some day he might take her with him to meet the exotic and interesting people whom he
never spoke about.
POEM: MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX
A. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
I looked again at her, wan, pale

as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile ……… (Foreign 2014; Modified)
1. What was the poet’s childhood fear?

Ans. In her childhood, the poet was insecure about losing her mother, just as all
young children often are.
2. What were the poet’s parting words?
Ans. The poet’s parting words were, “See you soon, Amma”, which are suggestive
of the hope that they will meet again.
3. What is the poetic device used in these lines?
Ans. The poetic device used in these lines is simile, where the mother’s dull and
lifeless face is compared to a late winter’s moon.
4. Why did the poet smile and smile?
Ans. The poet smiled and smiled (meaning that she smiled continuously) because
she was trying to hide her real feelings. She feared the fact that she might not see
her mother again, which left her almost in tears.
B.Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
……….but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes……………(Compartment 2014;Modified)
1. What thought did the poet drive away from her mind?
Ans. The poet drove away the painful thought of the distressing reality that her
mother was getting old and she might die anytime.
2. What did she see when she looked out of the car?
Ans. When she looked out of the car, she saw young trees on the roadside, which
appeared to be moving. She also saw a group of children, merrily rushing out of
their homes to play.
3. How do you know that the joyful scene didn’t help her drive away the painful
thought from her mind?
Ans. As the poet passed through a security check at the airport and happened to
look at her mother, she was again haunted by the same fear of losing her to death.
This shows that the joyful scene earlier didn’t help drive away the painful thought
from her mind.
4. What are the merry children symbolic of?
Ans. The merry children are symbolic of the exuberance of youth. The energetic
and lively children present a contrast to the poet’s mother who has grown old and
pale.
C. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
…….and
looked but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting,
the merry children spilling
out of their homes,………..
1. Name the poem and the poet.
Ans. The name of the poem is ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ and the poet is Kamala Das.
2. What did the poet realize? How did she feel?
Ans. The poet realized that her mother was getting old and was nearing her impending
death. She felt afraid of losing her mother, the same fear which she used to face in her
childhood.
3. What did she do then?
Ans. The poet at once turned her face away from the harsh reality and looked out of the
window to divert her mind.
4. What did she notice in the world outside?
Ans. The poet saw green trees sprinting by. She also saw a group of children who were
exuberant, enthusiastic and were merrily coming out of their houses.
Question 1.
What do the poet’s parting words to her mother signify? (All India 2009)
Answer:
The poet’s parting words of assurance and her smile provide a stark contrast to the old
familiar fear of childhood. Her words and smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real
feelings. She is trying to hide her fear about her mother’s frail and deteriorating health
which might separate her from her mother.
Question 2.
What is the significance of the parting words of the poet and her smile in ‘My Mother at
Sixty-six’? (All India 2010)
Answer:
The poet’s parting words convey the dilemma and confusion in her mind. Her superficial
smile expresses her helplessness. She is anxious about her mother’s frail health and fears
that anything can happen to her mother. But, on the other hand, she also nurtures a faint
hope that her mother survives long enough so that they can meet again.
Question 3.
Why did Kamala Das add the image of merry children to her poem? (Comptt. Delhi
2010)
Answer:
The merry children symbolise the spring of life, its energy, vigour and happiness. Their
image presents a sharp contrast to the poet’s limp and ageing mother. This image is also
imperative for the understanding of the process of old age which is associated with decay.
The spontaneous outpouring of life symbolised by these children is in contrast to the
poet’s mother’s passive and inactive life.
Question 4.
What were the poet’s feelings at the airport? How did she hide them? (All India 2012)
Answer:
At the airport the poet, Kamala Das, feels fearful of leaving her pale, ageing mother alone
and unattended. She has an ache and fear inside her heart and is not sure if she will be
able to see her mother again. She hides her feelings of anxiety by giving a long and
cheerful smile to her mother as she bids her adieu.
Question 5.
What do the parting words of Kamala Das and her smile signify? (Comptt. All India
2014)
The parting words of Kamala Das, ‘see you soon, Amma’ are in sharp contrast to what
she is feel¬ing. In reality these words are something she is not sure of even herself. Her
smile is elongated and superficial merely to give some kind of reassurance to her mother
so that she cannot get even a glimpse of her daughter’s inner fears and anxieties
Question 6.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2016)
Old
Familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile
1. What does the phrase, ‘familiar ache’ mean?

2. What was the poet’s childhood fear?
3. What do the first two lines tell us about the poet’s feelings for her mother?
4. What does the repeated use of the word, ‘smile’ mean?
Answer:
1. The phrase, ‘familiar ache’ means a pain or fear that the poet has had at a point of time.
It is the emotional pain the poet feels due to the realisation that her mother was growing
old and pale.
2. The poet’s childhood fear was that her mother would get old and die and she would
lose her mother and thus be separated from her.
3. The first two lines reveal that the poet loves her mother dearly and so she has many
insecurities in regard to her mother.
Question 1:
Bring out the significance of the smile of the poet as she bade farewell to her mother.
Answer:
The poet smiles as she bids farewell to her mother and assures her that they would meet
again. As she looks at her mother, who looks pale and weak due to old age, her heart is
pained to think that her mother might not live long. She smiles, but her smile is only an
effort to cover up the hidden fear and pain in her heart.
It is a smile put on deliberately to hide her tears. Her situation is quite ironical. Though
she tells her mother that she’ll see her soon, she doubts if she will ever see her alive
again. The repetition of the word ‘smile’ shows that it is a long and cheerful one. The
smile is also significant because it must have comforted both the mother and the daughter
and kindled in them the hope that the mother would survive long enough for the two to
meet again.
Question 2:
Bring out the poetic devices used in the poem.
Answer:
The poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ captures the complex subtleties of human
relationships in a texture of symbols, imagery and other poetic devices.
The entire poem is structured in the frame of a single sentence, punctuated by commas. It
indicates a single string of thought that runs throughout. There is a simile in the explicit
comparison of the ashen face of her mother to that of a corpse. We find another simile in
the comparison between the pale visage of her mother and the late winter’s moon, as her
face has lost its brightness.
There is the use of personification in the line “Trees sprinting’, where trees are attributed
with the quality of running swiftly, for enhancing the poetic effect. The poet has used
alliteration in the use of the words ‘familiar’ and ‘fear’ with the repetition of the
consonant sound |f|. It also suggests the poet’s familiarity with her childhood fear and the
sorrow of losing her mother to death.
KEEPING QUIET
A. “For once on the face of the Earth

let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. The poet uses the word “let’s” to _______

A) initiate a conversation between the poet and the readers.
B) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity.
C) welcome readers into the world of the poem and its subject.
D) address readers as fellow members of the human race.
Ans. B) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity.
2. Margaret Atwood said, “Language divides us into fragments, I wanted to be

whole.” Choose the option that correctly comments on the relationship between
Margaret Atwood’s words and the line from the above extract – “let’s not speak in
any language”
A) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language.
B) Atwood justifies Neruda’s request to not engage in any speaking.
C) Atwood undermines Neruda’s intent to stop and not speak in any language.
D) Atwood surrenders to Neruda’s desire for silence and not speak in any language.
Ans. A) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language.
3. Why do you think the poet employs words like “exotic” and “strangeness”?
A) To highlight the importance of everyone being together suddenly for once.
B) To emphasize the frenetic activity and chaos that usually envelops human life.
C) To indicate the unfamiliarity of a sudden moment without rush or without engine.
D) To direct us towards keeping quiet and how we would all be together in that silence.
Ans. B) To emphasize the frenetic activity and chaos that usually envelops human life.
4 Choose the option that correctly matches the idioms given in Column A with their
meanings in Column B.
Column A Column B
1. On the face of the earth (i) In existence
2. What on earth (ii) To do all possible to accomplish something
3. Move heaven and earth (iii) To express surprise or shock
4. The salt of the earth (iv) To be good and worthy
A) 1 – (i); 2 – (iv); 3 – (iii); 4 – (ii)

B) 1 – (i); 2 – (iii); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iv)
C) 1 – (ii); 2 – (i); 3 – (iv); 4 – (iii)
D) 1 – (iv); 2 – (ii); 3 – (iii); 4 – (i)
Ans. B) 1 – (i); 2 – (iii); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iv)
B. “If we were not so single-minded

about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. Look at the images given below. Choose the image to which the above extract
can be seen as an appropriate response.
A) Option (i)
B) Option (ii)
C) Option (iii)
D) Option (iv)
Ans. D) Option (iv)
2. What do you think is the mood of the poet in the above extract?
A) gloomy, cynical
B) reflective, inspired
C) introspective, aware
D) critical, demotivated
Ans. C) introspective, aware
3. Pick the option that DOES NOT complete the given sentence suitably, as per the
extract.
Threatening ourselves with death __________
A) feeds on the fear of death.
B) challenges the finiteness of life.
C) keeps us rushing through life.
D) makes us restless and impatient.
Ans. B) challenges the finiteness of life.
4. What might the “huge silence” signify?

A) melancholy
B) understanding
C) discomfort
D) flexibility
Ans. B) understanding
C. Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers in the shade,
doing nothing. What I want
should not be confused with total inactivity. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022)
1 Which of these uses the same poetic device as used in the third line of the extract?
A. The boy ran at lightning speed.
B. The little joys of life are necessary.
C. The absence of his presence was felt.
D. The hooter buzzed when the shooter shot.
Ans. C. The absence of his presence was felt
2 From the extract, identify the line or phrase that suggests the following: Humans
are involved in the exploitation of natural resources.
Ans. “Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no
survivors…”
3 Based on the extract, which of these best describes the poet?

(i) prudent
(ii) spiritual
(iii) visionary
(iv) methodical
A. (i) and (ii)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii) and (iv)
D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Ans. B. (i) and (iii)
4 Complete the sentence appropriately in no more than TWO words. When the poet
says that people who participate in wars ‘would put on clean clothes’ he means that
they should __________.
Ans. start afresh/adopt peace.
5 Based on the extract, select the correct option with reference to (1) and (2).
(1) Not every win is a triumph.
(2) Self reflection is crucial to evolution.
A. (1) is the result of (2)
B. Both (1) and (2) are true
C. Both (1) and (2) are false
D. (1) is a hypothesis based on (2)
Ans. B. Both (1) and (2) are true
6 Which of these is an appropriate title for the extract?

A. Standing in Solitude
B. Looking for Prosperity
C. The Desire for Renewal
D. The Road to Uncertainty
Ans. C. The Desire for Renewal
Q1. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’? (Delhi
2014) OR
What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping
Quiet’?(CBSE Sample Paper 2020)
Ans: Pablo Neruda longs for the exotic moment when humanity will be free of greed,
cruelty, and harmful behavior. Unnecessary rush and noise have caused discomfort and
issues. The poet wishes that the noise of engines and machines would stop and that peace
and tranquility would reign.
Q2. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’? (All India
2011, 2014)
Ans: The poet’s sadness in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the sadness of never
understanding oneself and nature. Humans are frequently involved in a frenzy of
activities and have no time for introspection, threatening themselves with death or
destruction as a result. This darkens their paths with distress and misery.
Q3. How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet change our attitude to life?
(Compartment 2014)
Ans: According to Neruda, when people on Earth consider remaining silent for a period
of time, they will experience an exotic moment in which they will be able to forget their
differences and a sense of camaraderie will prevail among them. When man goes silent
for a while, most of his evil thoughts vanish. Man will realize his utter stupidity and
refrain from harmful and destructive activities if he remains silent.
Q4. Why shouldn’t we “speak in any language” and “not move our arms so much”?
Ans: People all over the world communicate in a variety of languages. They engage in
pointless debates and squabbles. The majority of these debates result in destructive wars.
The poet encourages people to refrain from speaking in any language. They must speak
from the bottom of their hearts. So far, men have only moved their arms to harm others.
As a result, the poet wishes that they not move their arms as much and allow these arms
to rest for a moment. He asks the people to allow humanity to develop a sense of mutual
understanding.
Q5. What does the poet ask the fisherman and the man collecting salt to do? What
does he exactly want to convey by this?
Ans: Pablo Neruda is opposed to all forms of violence. He addresses the fishermen and
asks them not to harm the whales that live in the polar seas. He also requests that the
person gathering salt at the seashore stop working and instead look at his hands, which
are hurt and wounded as a result of overwork.
Q6. What are the different kinds of war mentioned in the poem that the poet is
against? (All India 2013)
Ans: The poet is opposed to all wars. He wishes for an end to the war. As stated in the
poem, the poet is opposed to wars started by people, such as green wars (which destroy
the environment by cutting down trees), wars with gasses (which pollute the environment
with the industries and factories), wars with fire (which destroy and kill others with
weapons), and wars with no survivors (i.e., the powerful people who defeat others by
killing them)
Q7. Why does the poet feel that we should not be so single-minded?
Ans: People are usually single-minded and obstinate. They choose to concentrate on just
one thing. They want to continue living their lives and are constantly on the move in
their pursuit. The poet wishes that they were not so preoccupied with constantly being on
the move. They need some respite or rest. They, too, require peace or silence.
LONG QUESTION ANSWER
Q1. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ chasing the next new thing,
would it be fair to think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea? (CBSE QB,
2021)
Ans: Yes, Neruda’s call is good, but it is more fanciful in character. However, if we are
able to remain silent, it will have two effects on life in and around the sea.
1. The fisherman will avoid killing whales, or any other animal for our own benefit
for a while by remaining silent.
2. Additionally, salt gatherers will have time to heal their injured hands, tend to them
and not overwork and simply rest for a while.
3. Moreover, man will not harm nature during this period of silence, and both
humans and nature will have time to attend to and heal their wounds.
As a result, everyone will have more time to reflect on themselves, nature or the past and
the decisions taken by them.
Q2. The world has become a global village, and people across boundaries,
nationalities and communities are now connected to one another. With the
advancement of technology, and the advent of social media, do you think that the
task of keeping quiet, as envisaged by Neruda, has become easier or more
complicated? Justify your stance. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Ans: World has become a global village due to transport and communication. People
from all over the world are linked together by means of transportation and
communication. People use communication technology to stay mentally connected to
each other even when they are not physically connected. They use various modes of
transportation such as buses, cars, airplanes, and ships to travel from one location to
another for business or to visit loved ones. In today’s world, social media platforms such
as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and others have grown into massive
platforms that connect people all over the world.
Due to this advancement in technology and the advent of social media, the task of
keeping quiet both may and may not be achievable depending on the way people perceive
it. People understanding the need of introspection and reflecting on their actions,
thoughts, etc. can through the use of social media support and promote the idea of
“keeping quiet”. However, on the contrary, social media, technology and the world itself,
for some people can prevent them from “keeping quiet” thus making it a fanciful idea and
more complicated to achieve in nature. Therefore, people’s perception towards the idea
and understanding of introspection and “keeping quiet” would be an important factor in
determining if the task would be complicated or easy to achieve.
Q3. Analyze the importance of the dramatic count to twelve in ‘Keeping Quiet.’
Ans: The poem begins with the poet’s request that a count to twelve be followed by a
moment of silence. The poet associates silence with the desire for a moment of
togetherness. The poet’s request to count to twelve is repeated in the first and last stanzas,
creating a personal space of silence in the poem. The poet seeks this moment of silence to
reflect and meditate, to share a sense of camaraderie and oneness.
The poet wishes that the fishermen would not kill the whales at this precise moment, and
that the men gathering salt would rest their injured hands. The threat of global
annihilation would be eliminated. The poet wishes that at this moment we would have
time for self assessment and introspection. The number ‘twelve’ is dramatically
significant in representing our clock time, a real-life moment.
A THING OF BEAUTY
A. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. In which of the following options can the underlined words be replaced with
‘despondence’?
A) The man paced about the room showing

B) A chat with a close friend can take away our
C) I was in jitters, seeing the boy trapped in the trench.
D) Being dogged is what led him to negotiate the challenges.
Ans. B) A chat with a close friend can take away our blues.
2. Pick the option that is NOT an example of ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.’
A) A person who is egoistic and looks down upon others.
B) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems.
C) A person who uses evil ways to deceive others.
D) A person who is corrupt and manipulative.
Ans. B) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems.
3. Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include.
1. selflessness
2. insensitivity
3. enthusiasm
4. aggression
5. meticulousness
6. judiciousness
A) 1, 4 and 5
B) 2, 3 and 6
C) 2, 4 and 5
D) 1, 3 and 6
Ans. D) 1, 3 and 6
4. Based on the poem, choose the correct option with reference to the two
Statement 1: The earth without the beautiful things is a place full of despair and
unpleasantness.
Statement 2: The ornate band created by human beings; ushers hope in their lives.
A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
Ans. C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
B. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from heaven’s brink (Foreign 2009, Delhi 2014)
1. Who are the ‘mighty dead’? How do we know about them?
Ans. The mighty dead are our forefathers, who were great in their own right, and the
dead emperors. We learn about them by reading or hearing heroic stories about their
numerous sacrifices. They are a source of inspiration for everyone who goes reads them.
2. What images does the poet use to convey that beauty is everlasting?
Ans. ‘Endless fountain’ of joy is the image that has been used to convey that beauty is
everlasting. Things of beauty are an eternal source of motivation, a precious gift from
heaven which gives us infinite pleasure and delight.
3. What is the effect of the immortal drink?
Ans. The immortal drink that nature’s endless fountain pours on us gives us immense joy
and pleasure.
4. Write the words from the extract which mean

5. stories
6. magnificence
Ans. 1) tales, 2) grandeur’
C. A thing of beauty is a joy forever Its loveliness increases,

it will never Pass into nothingness;
but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth (CBSE Sample Paper 2022)
1 Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of
the extract.
A. I’m as happy as I can be.

B. Life is a roller coaster ride.
C. Nature is God’s gift to us.
D. The dazzling divas enchanted all.
Ans. B. Life is a roller coaster ride.
2 What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate?
A. serenity
B. morality
C. superiority
D. diversity
Ans. A. serenity
3 The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include .

(i) healthy body
(ii) calm mind
(iii) struggle-free life
(iv) better relationships
(v) hope to carry on
Choose the most appropriate option.
A. Only (v)
B. (i), (ii) and (v)
C. (i), (iii) and (iv)
D. (ii) and (iv)
Ans. B. (i), (ii) and (v)
4 Answer in ONE word. When the poet says that ‘a thing of beauty’ will never pass
into nothingness, he means that it is __________.
Ans. eternal
5 On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
(1) We are surrounded by beautiful things.
(2) Beautiful things provide us joy.
A. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
C. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
D. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.
Ans. B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
6 Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

A. Full to the Brim with Joy
B. Beauty Galore
C. Live Life King Size
D. Hope Floats
Ans. D. Hope Floats
Q1. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A
Thing of Beauty’? (All India 2015)
Answer: Nature is a thing of beauty and pleasure in and of itself. The sun, the moon, old
and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, fern masses, and the
blooming of musk-roses are among them. All of them are works of art. They are constant
sources of happiness and pleasure.
Q2. What are the things that cause miseries, sorrows and sufferings to man? (All
India 2015)
Answer: All of man’s ills are the result of his own actions. We are plagued by malice and
distress because we lack human qualities, which renders us inhuman. Our lives become
bleak. We foster unhealthy and evil behaviors. All of these things bring man misery,
sorrow, and suffering.
Q3. How do we bind ourselves to the earth every morning?
Answer: The relationship between man and nature is emphasized by all romantic poets.
Keats believes that man has an unbreakable bond with nature and the earth. Man is
captivated by the earth’s splendors. Every natural object is a source of beauty and
happiness. Every day, we weave a flowery wreath. This flowery band ties us to the
earth’s beauty.
Q4. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it
removed? (All India 2013)
Answer: According to the poet, man is the source of his problems. His own personality
and actions make his life a living hell. He experiences misery and pain. His dark spirits
are shrouded in gloom. A thing of beauty gives man a ray of hope. Among these sorrows
and sufferings, some shape of beauty works wonders. It is a thing of beauty that lifts the
gloom from our dark spirits.
Q5. Why and how is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’? (Delhi 2011)
Answer: “The mighty dead” are people who have done brave and noble things. They live
on in the stories and legends, which have now become a source of beauty for us. They
will be rewarded with “grandeur” on doomsday or judgment day because of the noble life
they have led.
Q6. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings?
Answer: Keats expresses his discontent by stating that there are only a few people of
noble character who rise above minor differences by being magnanimous and generous.
As man is selfish and self-centered, there is a scarcity of such noble souls on our planet.
Life’s trials and tribulations cast a pall of despondency over our dark spirits. We can
remove it by making life worthwhile by enjoying the beautiful things that nature has
bestowed upon us, but we are eager to destroy them.
Q7. How is a thing of beauty lovelier than all the lovely tales we have heard and
read?
Answer: Nature’s beautiful things are a boon to humanity. The magnificence and beauty
of natural objects outweigh the grandeur of dooms imagined for our mighty dead
forefathers. Therefore, It is more beautiful than all the lovely stories we have heard or
read.
Q8. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
Answer: Many things cause us to suffer and be in pain. “The greatest source of our
suffering” is malice and disappointment. Another is the absence of noble qualities. Our
unhealthy and evil ways also give rise to a plethora of problems and sufferings. They
lower our spirits. They act as a pall of sadness in our lives.
Q1. ‘A Thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what John Keats says in the poem.
Do you think in the present times of acute stress and violence, proximity to beautiful
things can lead man to everlasting happiness? Discuss.
Answer: The message is that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It exists outside of time. It
will never be forgotten. Beauty has the ability to dispel darkness and negativity, and it
can help us survive when there is a “lack of noble nature” or when we are surrounded by
evil. It is beneficial to one’s health. It promotes restful sleep. Furthermore, it emphasizes
the fact that beauty is not only physical but also spiritual, and it appears to flow down
from heaven as an ‘immortal drink’ made for man.
In these times of extreme stress and violence, the objects of beauty take on even more
significance. When our minds are anxious and troubled, the sight of beautiful things can
provide us with temporary comfort and happiness. Appreciating beautiful things is
synonymous with appreciating God.
The presence of beautiful things draws us closer to the creator, who possesses the
ultimate power to provide us with relief from all anxieties and troubles. As a result, it is
certain to bring everlasting happiness at all times.
Q2. Write in brief the central theme of the poem.
Answer: ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is a passage from John Keats’ poem ‘Endymion: A Poetic
Romance,’ which is based on a Greek legend. In this poem, John Keats, a romantic poet,
discusses love, beauty, and youth. The poem, in fact, reflects his attitude towards beauty.
The poet believes that beauty is permanent and provides us with the same pleasure over
and over. It brings us eternal happiness and never fades away. Beauty is very important in
our lives because it helps us to stay happy and joyful in this sad, mundane world.
A thing of beauty is a constant source of joy. There is beauty everywhere. It has the
potential to change people’s lives. It also emphasizes the therapeutic quality of beauty,
i.e. its ability to remove negativity. It can be any object, nature, stories, or even our
forefathers’ noble deeds.
Q3. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your position on this statement with
your rationale, coupled with ideas in the poem. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer: The poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ by John Keats, conveys the message that
beauty is best left undefined, that beauty is everywhere, and that beauty is also found
upon examination. The theme of this work is primarily concerned with nature. Keats
describes the effects that beauty can have on a person. This beauty, according to Keats,
never fades and its impact is felt long after it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is
“Made for our seeking,” implying that some people will find beauty in places where
others will not.
I do believe that beauty should be best left undefined. Since, the definition and the form
of beauty differs from person to person, i.e. It is subjective in nature, making standards or
norms for beauty would tarnish its real value and thus, undermine its effects.
The theme of this poem is that beauty can be found anywhere and, when appreciated, can
be used to lift one’s spirits during difficult times.
A ROADSIDE STAND
A. “No, in country money, the country scale of gain,

The requisite lift of spirit has never been found,
Or so the voice of the country seems to complain,
I can’t help owning the great relief it would be
To put these people at one stroke out of their pain.
And then next day as I come back into the sane,
I wonder how I should like you to come to me
And offer to put me gently out of my pain.” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. The ‘country money’ contextually here refers to
A) money kept aside for rural development.

B) wealth accumulated by the whole country.
C) meager income earned by the countryside people.
D) riches collected by the ancestral farmers over time.
Ans. C) meager income earned by the countryside people.
2. Pick the option that mentions elements justifying the monetary aspect as the
‘requisite lift of spirit’.
1. confidence
2. ego
3. self-esteem
4. status
5. fame
A) 1, 2, 4
B) 2, 4, 5
C) 1, 3, 4
D) 1, 3, 5
Ans. D) 1, 3, 5
3. Choose the correct option with respect to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: The poet is agitated and depressed.
Statement 2: The poet realizes the futility of his thought about giving up
A) Statement 1 can be inferred but Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

B) Statement 1 cannot be inferred but Statement 2 can be inferred.
C) Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
D) Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred
Ans. B) Statement 1 cannot be inferred but Statement 2 can be inferred.
4. Choose the option that correctly paraphrases the given lines from the above
extract.
“I can’t help owning the great relief it would be
To put these people at one stroke out of their pain.”
A) The poet wants to kill the impoverished people.

B) The poet feels that death is better than living such a miserable life.
C) The poet wants to eliminate poverty from society.
D) The poet states that it is important that these people become rich
Ans. B) The poet feels that death is better than living such a miserable life.
B. “The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,

Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong…” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. The polished traffic in particular refers to the

A) sophisticated city dwellers in their vehicles.
B) shiny cars that the poet sees on the road.
C) extremely affluent people living in the neighborhood.
D) civilized manner in which traffic is coordinated.
Ans. A) sophisticated city dwellers in their vehicles.
2. ‘The urban and educated people have their minds ahead.’

Choose the option suggesting the correct meaning behind this line.
1 2
The people are well educated and The people are concentrating on the road
knowledgeable about the condition of the that is ahead in order to drive safely.
poor.
3 4
The people are preoccupied only by the The people are focused on their goal of
thoughts of their lives and nothing else. bettering the country.
A) Option 1
B) Option 2
C) Option 3
D) Option 4
Ans. C) Option 3
3. What do the urban rich feel about the S and N signs that have been painted
wrong?
A) Tolerant
B) Amused
C) Sympathetic
D) Annoyed
Ans. D) Annoyed
4. The passers-by find the sign artless but the landscape ___________.
A) animated
B) aesthetic
C) amusing
D) ancient
Ans. D) ancient
C. It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,
Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022)
1 What is the tone of the poet in the above lines?
(i) aggressive
(ii) tolerant
(iii) sarcastic
(iv) resigned
(v) sentimental
Choose the most appropriate option.
A. Only (i)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (i), (iv) and (v)
D. Only (iii)
Ans. D. Only (iii)
2 Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following: No one bothers
to take ‘their’ consent before pushing the promise of a better life, their way.
Ans. “enforcing benefits”
3 What quality of the villagers can be inferred through these lines?

A. gullible
B. futuristic
C. hypocritical
D. ambitious
Ans. A. gullible
4 Complete the following analogy correctly. Do NOT repeat from used example.
greedy good doers: alliteration ::…………………………….. Oxymoron
Ans. beneficient beasts of prey
5 On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2)
given below.
(1) The city dwellers make promises for the betterment of the villagers.
(2) The city dwellers have ulterior motives.
A. (1) is true but (2) is false.

B. (2) is true but (1) is false.
C. (2) is the reason for (1).
D. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
Ans. C. (2) is the reason for (1).
6 Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract. ‘…
calculated to soothe them out of their wits’ implies that ‘them’ are being.
Ans. manipulated
Q1. Why do the people who run the roadside stand wait for the squeal of brakes so
eagerly? (2003 Delhi)
Ans: The “squealing of brakes” indicates that a vehicle has come to a halt at their
roadside stand. It gives them hope that the city folk have stopped by to buy something
from their roadside stand and that they will receive some city money.
Q2. Explain: “soothe them out of them wits” with reference to the poem ‘The
Roadside Stand’. (2005 Delhi)
Ans: The powerful men approach the country folk, making false promises of better living
conditions and a better life. These simple and innocent country folk are soothed and
satisfied by their false claims. They fail to see through their crookedness and selfishness
and end up falling in their trap.
Q3. Why does Robert Frost sympathize with the rural poor? (2009 Delhi, 2011
Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Ans: Robert Frost is in excruciating pain over the plight of the rural poor, who are
ignored and neglected by rich politicians. The government and the ruling party are
unconcerned about their well-being. They dupe them by making false promises, which
they then fully exploit for their own selfish gain, thus making Frost sympathize with the
rural poor.
Q4. What news in the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ is making its round in the village?
(2013 Outside Delhi)
Ans: The news is spreading about the resettlement of poor, rural people who will be
relocated to villages near the theater and store. They would be close to cities and would
no longer have to worry about themselves.
Q5. What kind of support do the country folks expect to receive from city dwellers?
Ans: Country people, who are cash-strapped, seek financial assistance and patronage
from city dwellers. They believe that if they had some money, they could live a much
better and more prosperous life.
Q6.State any two characteristics that can be inferred about the people from the
countryside in The Roadside Stand.(CBSE Sample Paper 2022)
Ans. Unlike the city dwellers, the people who run the roadside stand are poor. As a result,
they request city funds in order to live a happy and prosperous life. They trust others very
quickly. Trust is kept in the promises made by the political parties but later, these
powerful people are proved to be beneficial beasts of prey and greedy good-doers.
Q1. Write in brief the summary of the poem.
Ans: Poet Robert Frost felt the pain of the poor farmers who set up their little shed stalls
to sell various products grown or manufactured by them, but the poet observed that,
despite thousands of visitors and vehicles, no one was interested in their offerings. The
selfish travelers, on the other hand, criticized their presentations and passed through
proudly.
Poet is offended by their behavior and attitude and has a complaint for the survival of
these poor farmers because they, too, want to be a part of the flow of the economy, which
is currently dominated by city dwellers only. They, too, have the right to live comfortably
in accordance with their ideals. They are, however, always used for the selfish motives of
greedy good-doers.
They use deception to impose their benefits on poor farmers, mislead them, and destroy
their ancient culture and way of life. They only want to seize their fields and homes. Poet
is tired and finds his expectations disappointed, too much disappointed by the financial
situation and struggle of the distressed peasants who sit, pray, and wait for the cars to
stop at least to inquire or to buy but the self-centered egoistic persons use the empty place
to turn their vehicles or occasionally stop to ask about the path or fuel.
Farmers’ rage is understandable; they respond by irritatingly questioning the common

sense of the proud persons.
Poet realizes that no miracle can be seen, that he is unable to console the impoverished
farmers, and that it is impossible to relieve the villagers’ suffering in a single stroke.
When he comes to, he realizes that his plea to help them is futile because no one is
willing to help them.
Q2. Through this poem, Frost underlines his sympathy for the rural people in
opposition to the uncaring capitalistic elite. Justify.
Ans: Robert Frost depicts the lives of the poor and disadvantaged while portraying the
rich urban as pitiless and indifferent.
On the one hand, he paints a pitiful picture of the lives of the poor who beg for financial
help to survive. They have no plans to grow their company. They seek assistance that
political parties have promised in their manifestos. Surprisingly, the products of these
people are what allow city dwellers to live their glamorous lives. They travel in
sophisticated vehicles, oblivious to the terrible plight of the poor, which cries out for
attention. These self-absorbed city dwellers have money but refuse to spend it.
They have bought the poor and collected them to live near the theater and store, not for
their benefit, but as a distraction from their reality. Frost refers to the city dwellers as
‘greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey’ as they drain the very life out of the poor.
They swarm over their lives like flies, attempting to defraud them for their own gain.
They teach them ‘how to sleep,’ lull them to sleep, and rob them of their peace in the
process.
Q3. Describe the miserable existence of the rural poor.
Ans: Rural residents have a very low standard of living. The poem’s sole roadside stand
demonstrates how uneducated and underprivileged they are. The unfortunate person who
has been waiting all day at his stand hopes that someone will stop and make at least a
small purchase. But no one comes to see him because the shed looks pitiful with its
clumsy paintings, and people driving expensive cars believe the stand detracts from the
neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal.
The government and the ruling class frequently publish fabricated news articles claiming
that they will provide financial and institutional assistance to poor farmers. They
guarantee that these patients will live near cities with easy access to every modern
amenity and will not have to worry about anything. But no one notices these jokes, which
are all meant to deceive these helpless people. The poet claims that the wealthy class
disturbs the poor’s sleep in “the ancient way,” or as is customary. As a result, the rural
residents’ situation remains unchanged. They are still behind, impoverished, ignorant,
and lowly. Their miserable lives do not improve.
Q4. Comment on the symbolic significance of ‘The Roadside stand’.

Ans: The roadside stand represents the farmers’ desire to enjoy the conveniences of city
life. It is a symbol of the lives of poor and destitute country people who struggle to live
with the thoughtless city dwellers who don’t even notice the roadside stand that these
people have set up to sell their wares on the side of the highway outside. It is also a
symbol of hope for farmers, who believe that passing cars will buy their produce and help
keep cities from falling into disrepair. However, no cars ever stop, and those that do stop
only comment on how the construction obstructs the view of the surroundings, or how
badly painted the incorrectly pointed North and South signs are, or to notice without
interest the wild berries and squash for sale in the stand, or the beautiful mountain scene.
The farmer tells the rich travelers that if they meant to be mean, they should keep their
money, and that the hurt to the view is not as important as the sorrow he feels from being
ignored. He only wants money so that he can enjoy the luxuries portrayed in movies and
other media, which are said to be denied to him by political parties. Frost goes on to say
that, while these people have benefactors who plan to relocate them to villages with easy
access to the cinema and the store, they are actually selfish and only help these “pitiful
kin” to benefit themselves indirectly.
The altruists want to make these villagers completely reliant on them for all of their
benefits and comforts, robbing them of the ability to think for themselves and be self-
sufficient. In that sense, a roadside stand represents wealth or money, and the poor dream
of becoming wealthy. It is also a symbol of the past’s demise. The farmer’s house’s open
windows appear to wait all day for the sound of a car stopping to make a purchase.
However, they are always disappointed because vehicles only stop to inquire about the
price, ask for directions, reverse, or ask for a gallon of gas. Thus, the Roadside Stand
represents the futile hope of poor people to become wealthy.
AUNT JENIFFER’S TIGER
A. “Aunt Jennifer’s finger fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. How would you describe Aunt Jennifer based on the above extract?
A) oppressed
B) malnourished
C) aging
D) diseased
Ans. A) oppressed
2. Uncle’s wedding band sits heavily on Aunt Jennifer’s hand because
A) it is an expensive and heavy ring.
B) She was married against her will.
C) she feels burdened in her marriage.
D) their relationship is lacking in love.
Ans. C) she feels burdened in her marriage.
3. Pick the option that displays the image which correctly corresponds to the
type of task Aunt is engaged in.
A) Option (i)
B) Option (ii)
C) Option (iii)
D) Option (iv)
Ans. B) Option (ii)
4. Which of the following is an example of an alliteration?

A) finger fluttering through the wool
B) upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand
C) ivory needle hard to pull
D) massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Ans. A) finger fluttering through the wool
B. “When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.” (CBSE QB, 2021)
1. Read the statement given below:

Aunt Jennifer’s plight is best explained by her hands, they hold both her freedom and
the instrument of her imprisonment.
Choose the option that best explains the above statement, as per the extract.
A) Aunt Jennifer’s hands are terrified, but when she is dead, her tigers will roam free.
B) Aunt Jennifer knits her desires, but is overpowered by the wedding ring she wears.
C) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are proud and unafraid, but she is mastered by ringed ordeals.
D) Aunt Jennifer makes panels of tigers when she has time from her responsibilities.
Ans. B) Aunt Jennifer knits her desires, but is overpowered by the wedding ring she
wears.
2. Which of the following CANNOT be inferred from the given extract?
A) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will keep her alive in everyone’s memory.

B) Aunt Jennifer feels oppressed and constricted in her marriage.
C) Even in death, Aunt Jennifer cannot escape patriarchal subjugation.
D) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance as a lasting symbol of her desires
Ans. A) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will keep her alive in everyone’s memory.
3. What makes the tigers “proud and unafraid”?
A) They embody the grandeur and supremacy of animals in the wild.

B) They symbolize authority and are ‘topaz denizens of green’.
C) They represent Aunt’s repressed desires for freedom and power.
D) They are a product of Aunt’s imagination and colonial experience.
Ans. C) They represent Aunt’s repressed desires for freedom and power.
4. Choose the option that DOES NOT reflect the movement implied by
‘prancing’.
A) bounding
B) frolicking
C) strutting
D) shuffling
Ans. D) shuffling
C. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie.

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.” (Delhi 2012,CBSE Sample Paper 2018)
1. Who is the aunt mentioned here?
Ans. The aunt mentioned here is Aunt Jennifer, the protagonist of Adrienne Rich’s poem
‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. She is a woman going through unpleasant experiences in her
married life.
2. Why is she “ringed” with ordeals?
And. She is ‘ringed’ with ordeals because marriage has brought with it a host of family
responsibilities by which she is ‘ringed’ or surrounded. She feels so burdened by her
marital constraints that they seem like an ordeal to her.
3. What is the difference between her and the tigers?
Ans. Aunt Jennifer is quite weak and submissive, whereas the tigers are strong, bold and
powerful. She is bound by the constraints of her married life, while the tigers are free to
move about in the green woods.
4. Why has Aunt Jennifer created the tigers so different from her own
character?
Ans. The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer are an expression of her desire to free herself
from the constraints of her married life. She wants to be bold and fearless like her tigers.
Q1. What is suggested by the phrase, ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band?
Ans: Her marriage is described by the wedding band. It is ‘massive’ on her hand because
the weight of her marital responsibilities has made her feel subjugated and unable to
express herself freely.
Q2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her
own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?
Ans: Aunt Jennifer is designing tigers, which represent strength, fearlessness, and
confidence. These are the characteristics that Aunt Jennifer lacks. Aunt Jennifer’s
suppressed desires to become bold, fearless and free from oppression are represented by
these tigers. The poet wishes to imply that these qualities are required for women to fight
their oppressors.
Q3. What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?
Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will continue to prance around even after her death, as she
created them on the tapestry. This means that art outlasts human life. It also demonstrates
that her desire for freedom from male dominance will last forever, even after she dies.
Q4. What are the difficulties that Aunt Jennifer faced in her life? (Delhi 2014)
Ans: Aunt Jennifer faced oppression at the hands of patriarchal society. Her husband had
subjugated her, and the wedding band weighed heavily on her hand. Her hands fluttered
even when she was carrying something as light as knitting needles and wool.
Q5. How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male
dominance? (Compartment 2014)
Ans: Aunt Jennifer is too afraid to openly oppose the oppression of which she is a
victim. She uses her art to express her resentment and rage at male dominance. On her
tapestry, she depicts tigers, which are symbols of bravery, fearlessness, and strength. Her
tigers are wild and free of any kind of enslavement.
Q6. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?(Delhi 2012, All
India 2009)
Ans: Tigers represent power and bravery. Aunt Jennifer is under a lot of pressure. Her
marital life has been a source of trauma for her. She has an inner desire to be free of
oppression, which she expresses through her art.
Q7. Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third stanza?
Ans: Aunt Jennifer is terrified of her husband, who rules over her in their marriage. She
is a victim of exploitation at the hands of male-dominated society, specifically her own
husband.
Q8. How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support
your response with two justifications. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022)
Ans. Aunt Jennifer is said to be unable to escape her marriage, despite her needlework.
Despite the constraints of her marriage, the image of her stitching tigers into her tapestry
can be interpreted as a symbol of her attempts to assert her independence and
individuality. This implies that Aunt Jennifer is trapped in a relationship she did not
choose, and that her marriage is a trade-off in terms of her freedom and autonomy.Also,
the description of Aunt Jennifer’s husband as a “terrible” man who “weighs” upon her
also supports the idea that her marriage is a compromise.
Q9.Adrienne Rich chose to express her silent revolt through her poem, Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers, just as Aunt Jennifer did with her embroidery. Explain. (CBSE
Sample Paper 2021-22)
Ans. Adrienne Rich’s poem criticises the traditional institution of marriage that was
prevelant in her times, implying that it oppressed women. Similarly, Aunt Jennifer, who
is a victim of an unhappy marriage due to a dominating husband, chooses to embroider
fearless, free tigers to express her desire for freedom. Both use their creative outlets to
express their dissatisfaction with societal expectations.
1. ‘What knitting was to Aunt Jennifer; poetry was for Adrienne Rich’. Do you
agree? Comment with reference to the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. (CBSE QB,
2021)
Ans: In a male-dominated society, women are silenced; Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger addresses
this topic subtly. The poet has explored the mechanisms of ‘male domination’ and
‘patriarchy’ in society in this poem. Adrienne Rich, a poet from a marginalized
community, responds to the dominant nature that shapes mainstream society. Rich saw
poetry as a razor-sharp beacon that could enlighten women’s lives and consciousness.
The poem is an eye-opener in terms of re-constructing women’s identities. The poet
examines women’s positions in a traditional society and makes a strong case for
restructuring identity and rewriting norms in order to envision a new world to come.
Hence, as Aunt Jennifer expresses her innate desires through her knitting, Adrienne Rich
displays her ideals through poetry.
Q2. Explain the stark difference in the death of Aunt Jennifer and the tigers
prancing.
Ans: The tigers remain constant throughout the poem, only growing stronger as it
progresses. Aunt Jennifer, on the other hand, gradually fades away in her death. She is
defeated in her death as a result of her unfulfilled desires. She may accept the bond of
domination because her fingers are still ringed and she dies surrounded by her life’s
difficulties.
The tigers are her cherished world of freedom, prancing in pride, a world she will never
be able to experience. It gives us a practical look at the reality that Aunt Jennifer never
wins and accepts defeat stoically as she conforms to the society in which she has lived.
She bears the weight of the ring, dead or alive, because she has already surrendered or
was forced to surrender her freedom by marrying.
Q3. Read the given quote. In your opinion, what silence does the poem ‘Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers’ break?
“Every poem breaks a silence that had to be overcome.” – Adrienne Rich (CBSE QB,
2021)
Ans: The role of women in society and the language men use for social and political gain
are inextricably linked. Adrienne Rich’s personal life becomes political, and this short
poem, while not overtly political, foreshadows more radical work to come. Aunt Jennifer
has suffered for many years and is looking for a positive outlet for her artistic abilities
before it’s too late. She hopes that her tigers will outlive her and become a symbol of
freedom and independence. Aunt Jennifer is too afraid to openly oppose the oppression of
which she is a victim. She uses her art to express her resentment and rage at male
dominance. On her tapestry, she depicts tigers, which are symbols of bravery,
fearlessness, and strength. Her tigers are wild and free of any kind of enslavement, which
presents a stark contrast to her current state.
THE THIRD LEVEL
The Presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford
railroads will swear on a stack of timetables that there are only two. But I say there are
three, because I’ve been on the third level of the Grand Central Station. Yes, I’ve taken
the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among others. I told him about
the third level at Grand Central Station, and he said it was a waking dream wish
fulfilment.
1. Name the chapter.
A. The Last Lesson
B. Should Wizard Hit Mommy
C. On the Face of It
D. The Third Level
Ans. D. The Third Level
2. Name the author of this chapter.

A. Alphonse Daudet
B. Jack Finale
C. Jack Finney
D. John Updike
Ans. C. Jack Finney
3. Who is ‘l’ in the above extract?

A. Charley
B. Louisa
C. Sam
D. Coin Dealer
Ans. A. Charley
4. “There are only two” What is two in this statement?

A. Blocks
B. Platforms
C. Levels
D. Towers
Ans.C. Levels
I’m just an ordinary guy named Charley, thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan
gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy band; I passed a dozen men who looked just
like me. And I wasn’t trying to escape from anything: I just wanted to get home to Louisa,
my wife. I turned into Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue, and went down the steps to
the first level, where you take trains like the Twentieth Century. Then I walked down
another flight to the second level, where the suburban trains leave from, ducked into an
arched doorway heading for the subway- and got lost. That’s easy to do.
1. What is ‘Gabardine”?
A. A firm durable fabric
B. Brown colour
C. Kind of tight outfit
D. None of these
Ans. A . A firm durable fabric
2. What does the speaker mean by “suburban”?

A. Place located on the outskirts of the city
B. Place located in the city
C. Place located far away from the city
D. Place located in the centre of the city
Ans. A. Place located on the outskirts of the city
3. What does ‘Duck into’ mean?

A. To move downwards and enter
B. To move upwards and enter
C. To move aside and enter
D. None of these
Ans. A. To move downwards and enter
4. Where does the narrator get lost?

A. On the first level
B. On the second level
C. On the third level
D. All of these
Ans B. On the second level
A woman walked in through the train gate; she wore a dress with leg. of mutton sleeves
and skirts to the top of her high-buttoned shoes. Behind her, out on the tracks, I caught a
glimpse of a locomotive, a very small Currier & Ives locomotive with a funnel-shaped
stack. And then I knew. To make sure, I walked over to a newsboy and glanced at the
stack of papers at his feet. It was The World; and The World hasn’t been published for
years. The lead story said something about President Cleveland. I’ve found that front
page since, in the Public Library files, and it was printed June 11, 1894.
1. What is a locomotive?
A. Engine
B. Loco
C. Rail road
D. All of these
Ans. D. All of these
2. What does the speaker mean by stack of papers?|
A. Pile of papers
B. Pile of wastage
C. Pile of stamp papers
D. All of these
Ans. A. Pile of papers
3. What was ‘The World’?

A. Journal
B. Magazine
C. Newspaper
D. Book
Ans. C. Newspaper
4. Where had Charley traveled to?

A. Present
B. Past
C. Future
D. None of these
Ans. B. Past
Q1 What did Charley find at the Grand Central Station?
Ans. At the third level, Charley saw the people wearing old-fashioned dress, an old
locomotive, newspaper dated June 11, 1894, brass spittoons, flickering gas same lights
and many other things related to that era.
Q2 “I’ve taken the obvious step.” Explain.

Ans. Nobody believed in Charley’s statement about the existence of The Third Level. His
wife was alarmed and brought him to the psychiatrist. Charley himself needed to meet the
psychiatrist. It was an ‘obvious step’.
Q3 What was Charley’s vision about Galesburg town? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Charley thought that Galesburg was still a wonderful town. In that century in 1894,
people used to sit in their lawns, having sufficient time to talk to each other, smoking
cigars and women waving palm leaf fans on very long summer evenings. Overall, it was
a peaceful and friendly place.
Q4 When and how did Charley find the letter of Sam?

Ans. One night while fussing with his stamp collection, Charley found, among his oldest
first-day covers, the letter of Sam with a six cent stamp mailed to his Granddad. It had
been in his collection.
Q5 What did the ticket clerk say to Charley? (CBSE 2010)

Ans. The ticket-clerk scolded Charley that that was not the real currency which he was
having. Additionally, he warned Charley that if he was trying to skin him, he would not
go very far. He would be prisoned.
Q6 What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley?

OR
In his letter to Charley, Sam writes, ‘…then I got to believing you were right.’ What
could have made Sam begin to believe? (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2020-
21)
Ans. Sam’s letter to Charley proves that Sam had found and reached the third level. He
had been staying there in Galesburg since the last two weeks watching various activities
and explaining to Charley. He invites both Charley and his wife Louisa and motivates
them to continue their search for the third level. So, we can say that Sam was also a
victim of worldly worries and sought the escape, like Charley.
Q7 “The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress. What are
the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?
Ans. No doubt, the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war worry and stress. To
overcome them, people start to adopt their own ways. As some people start to imagine
and develop their own unreal world whereas some people start to use alcoholic products
and destroy their lives. These all ways are just escapement and not the solution
Q8 ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to
ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam in The Third Level.
(CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2022-23)
Ans. Sam was being judgmental when he told Charley that he was dissatisfied with life
and was looking for an escape. The third level was just an imagination, so Charley should
accept reality and be satisfied with it. However, Sam himself wanted an escape from the
stress filled modern life and went in search for the third level.
Q1 Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
(CBSE 2005, 2008)
Ans. Actually, Grand Central Station did not have a third level. Charley stated that while
travelling back to his house, he just made an imaginary trip to the third level in order to
escape the unsettling reality of this planet. He would frequently explore relocating to
Galesburg, which had already been established in 1894 and was thought to be a peaceful
community at the time.
He himself had aspirations of going there and pictured himself living in that era.
Whenever he got back to his regular life, he couldn’t stop thinking about that realm. In
this way, we can claim that the third level was unquestionably a medium of escapement
for Charley because his friend Sam’s disappearance forced him to believe in it and
subsequently he and his wife Louisa both started to search the third level. Even though it
was just in his head, it made him feel better.
Q2 Why did Charley again want to go to the third level?

OR
How did ‘The World’ help Charley to confirm his doubts regarding the existence of
a third level? (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2019-20)
Ans. Since Galesburg had been in Charley’s thoughts since the beginning as a peaceful
place, he had found and noticed a significant difference once he had visited the third level
in his imaginations. However, when Charley arrived at the ticket window, he discovered
that he was unable to purchase tickets or complete any transactions due to the lack of
currency of those days. Once he realised it, he went back to the actual world to get some
old-fashioned money from the exchange before going back to the third floor and
Galesburg to settle down.
He originally intended to get two tickets to Galesburg for himself and his wife since he
was certain that there, people lived carefree lives with plenty of time for one another.
With the money he had with him, he could easily subsist there because everything was so
inexpensive. Thus, even though the third level didn’t actually exist—it was just in
Charley’s head—he wanted to go back there for his escape and satisfaction.
Q3 Philately helps keep the past alive. Discuss other ways in which this is done.
What do you think of the human tendency to constantly move between the past, the
present and the future?
Ans. Many people use stamp collecting, the study of postage stamps, postal routes, postal
history, etc. as a way to keep memories of the past fresh. Other than this, there are many
other ways to preserve our past, including museums, historical structures & monuments,
items used by people in the past, photographs, and old literature; we travel into our past.
This is termed as philately.
Humans frequently have a tendency to wander back and forth between the past, present,
and future. Although we actually exist in the present, thanks to God’s gift of memory, we
can travel back in time and attempt to look into the future. We find fulfilment, enjoy life,
and manage to survive in the present because our conscious and unconscious minds are in
control of this shifting.
Q4 Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?

Ans. Absolutely, the story shows how time and space intertwine. As an escapist, Charley
travels from the present to the past. It is practically impossible for someone to have
reached the final century in 1894, yet thanks to his imagination, he was sent to the third
level and ended up in Galesburg, Illinois. That appears to be psychological, and Sam, his
psychiatrist friend, also slips to the third level and becomes a victim of the contemporary
worldly concerns. Science fiction author Jack Finney discusses the intersection of time
and space in a highly rational way and establishes its plausibility through escapement.
Q5 Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.

Ans. Sometimes what seems to be nonsensical turns out to be a futuristic vision, much
like the majority of what we see around us. were once in someone’s head and seemed
impossible, but subsequently turned out to be possible. It’s now achievable thanks to
science. Such occurrences are caused by our unconscious mind.
With the help of these factors combined, we are occasionally able to create or learn
incredible truths and things that were completely unknown to the world until their
physical manifestation. Hence, impossibility appears at first but quickly enters the view
due to correct projection, shocking the general populace.
Q6 At the beginning of the story, Sam is sceptical of Charley’s discovery of the third
level. By the end of the story, the reader is told that he found the third level and
travelled back in time. How would Sam diagnose himself? (CBSE QUESTION
BANK)
Ans. Sam worked as a therapist. He was also Charley’s pal. Charley went to Sam for
advice when he had fantasies about the Third Floor at Grand Central Station. Sam
declared it to be only a short-term relief from his anxiety. A waking-dream-wish-
fulfillment, as he put it. Yet over time, he found himself ensnared in this made-up
universe. He spoke with numerous psychic patients every day, who shared their problems
and concerns with him. Sam’s life has been burdened as a result. He also began looking
for sojourn. After hearing about the suffering of those with mental illnesses, he yearned
to leave the life that had become miserable.
Unconsciously, he also had the urge to escape the constraints of everyday reality and
roam freely in the realm of fantasy. He desired to picture himself existing in a society
free of suppressed anxieties and internal problems. Although he first did not believe in
the Third Level’s whim, he secretly wished to believe in this fantasy. He was aware that
Charley was wrong, yet he still wanted Charley to be correct. As a result, he eventually
began to discover reality on a whim and became trapped.
THE TIGER KING
“The child will grow up to become the warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of
champions. But… they bit their lips and swallow hard. When compelled to continue, the
astrologers came out with it. “This is a secret which should not be revealed at all. And
yet we are forced to speak out. The child born under this star will one day have to meet
its death.”

A Evans Tries an O Level
B Memories of Childhood
C The Tiger King
D The Third Level
Ans C The Tiger King
2. Who is the author of this chapter?

A Tishani Doshi
B Kalki
C Pearl S Buck
D William Saroyan
Ans B Kalki
3. Who has been referred to as a child in this extract?

A Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur
B Khiledar Major
C The Tiger King
D All of these
Ans D All of these
4. What does the narrator mean by the phrase ‘They bit their lips’?
A They hesitated
B They spoke confidently
C They replied angrily
D They replied happily
Ans A They hesitated
Everyone stood transfixed in stupefaction. They looked wildly at each other and blinked.
“O wise prophets! It was I who spoke.” This time there were no grounds for doubt. It was
the infant born just ten days ago who had enunciated the words so clearly. The chief
astrologer took off his spectacles and gazed intently at the baby. “All those who are born
will one day have to die. We don’t need your predictions to know that. There would be
some sense in it if you could tell us the manner of that death” the royal infant uttered
these words in his little squeaky voice.
1. Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?

A The Tiger King
B Kalki
C Astrologer
D The Tiger King’s Wife
Ans A The Tiger King
2. Who spoke at the age of 10?

A The Tiger King
B Dr. Sadao
C Jack
D Evans
Ans A The Tiger King
3. What did the royal infant want to know?

A The exact manner of his marriage
B The exact manner of his death
C The exact manner of his sitting on his throne
D The exact manner of his life
Ans B The exact manner of his death
4. Find out the synonym of ‘Utter’ from the following:

A To speak
B To Express
C To Let out
D All of these
Ans D All of these
The Maharaja and the dewan held deliberations over this issue. As a result, a telegram
was dispatched forthwith to a famous British company of jewellers in Calcutta. Send
samples of expensive diamond rings of different designs. Some fifty rings arrived. The
Maharaja sent the whole lot to the British officer’s good lady. The king and the minister
expected the Duraisani to choose one or two rings and send the rest back. Within no time
at all the Duraisani sent her reply: “Thank you very much for your gifts.” In two days a
bill for three lakh of rupees came from the British jewellers. The Maharaja was happy
that though he had lost three lakh of rupees, he had managed to retain his kingdom.
1. Who has been referred to as ‘Good Lady”?.

A Durai
B Duraisani
C British officer
D The Tiger King
Ans B Duraisani
2. How much did the Maharaja have to pay for fifty rings?
A 3 lacs
B 4 lacs
C 5 lacs
D 2 lacs
Ans A 3 lacs
3. How many rings had the Maharaja expected Duraisani to keep?

A One or two
B two or three
C three or four
D four or five
Ans A One or two

B The Enemy
C Going Places
D The Tiger King
Ans D The Tiger King
Q1 What various titles were bestowed upon the Pratibandapuram King?

Ans The Pratibandapuram ruler was referred to by a variety of names. His Highness
Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, and Maharajdhiraj Visva are
possible titles for him. Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, Bhuvana Samrat, M.A.D., A.C.T.C.,
or C.R.C.K.
Q2 How did the Tiger King get the name he had? (CBSE 2009)
Ans As it had been predicted that the 100th tiger would kill the king of Pratibandapuram,
he was known as the Tiger King. As a result, he made the decision to kill 100 tigers
before engaging in any other activities. He was renowned as the Tiger King because he
killed so many tigers.
Q3 The future of the Tiger King was foreseen when he was only 10 days old. What
about it was ironic?
Ans Astrologers foretold that the Tiger King would have to die one day when he was a
little child. They added that the death would be caused by the 100th tiger. The one
hundredth tiger did cause the death of the Tiger King. Ironically, however, the tiger
wasn’t the real one. It was a wooden toy tiger.
Q4 The Maharaja’s choice to marry was motivated by what? (CBSE 2014)

Ans Throughout his realm, the Maharaja had exterminated every tigress. Yet, only 70
tigers were really slain. To fulfil his commitment, he still had thirty more tigers to kill. As
a result, he made the choice to wed a princess from a kingdom with a sizable tiger
population.
Q5 When did the Tiger King stand in danger of losing his kingdom?
Ans In the realm of the Tiger King, a British officer desired to go tiger hunting. But the
king forbade him from doing so. The officer just wanted to stand on the tiger’s carcass
and be photographed, the officer sent news that the king could kill the animal himself.
But, the king even turned against doing it. The monarch was in risk of losing his throne
as a result.
Q6 How did the Tiger King manage to retain his kingdom?

Ans A renowned jeweller fulfilled the king’s order for fifty diamond rings. He mailed all
of the rings to the officer’s wife. He believed that she would keep one or two rings and
return the rest. Yet, she preserved all fifty rings. The cost to the monarch was three lac
rupees, yet he was happy because he was able to save his country.
Q7 Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting in his state? (CBSE 2014)
Ans The Maharaja had to keep his promise to slay 100 tigers. Hence, everyone other than
the Maharaja was prohibited hunting tigers. A declaration was made stating that all of a
person’s riches and possessions would be confiscated if they ventured to throw even a
stone at a tiger.
Q8 What sort of hunt did the Maharaja offer to organise for the high-ranking
British officer? What trait of the officer does it reveal? (CBSE 2014)
Ans The Maharaja offered to organise a boar hunt, a mouse hunt, even a mosquito hunt
for him but not a tiger hunt. However, the officer sent word that he only wanted to stand
on the carcass of the tiger and be photographed. But the king even refused to do that. This
shows the vanity and shallowness of the officer.
Q9 How was the royal baby raised?
OR
How did the royal child develop?
Ans The royal infant drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an English
nanny tutored in English by an Englishman, saw nothing but English films. His life was
exactly like the other crown princes of the other Indian states.
Q10 Why did a hunter shoot the one hundredth tiger?

Ans The hunters approached the tiger and discovered that it was still alive because the
bullet had missed it. They came to the conclusion that the king must not be made aware
of his failure to hit his mark. They anticipated losing their jobs. As a result, one of the
hunters took a shot at the tiger from a foot away.
Q11 What happened to the tiger that the dewan provided?

Ans The tiger provided by the dewan was very old. The dewan left it in the forest where
the king was hunting. The tiger wandered into the presence of the king. The king took a
careful aim and shot at him. The tiger fell in a crumpled heap and everyone thought it
was dead. However, it had missed the shot and had fainted due to the loud sound of the
gun.
Q12 What gift did the monarch bring for his third birthday for his son? What did
he spend on it?
Ans On his son’s third birthday, the monarch brought a wooden tiger. The shopkeeper
stated that it would cost 300 rupees. Nevertheless, the monarch refused to give him any
money and instead took the tiger with him, declaring that it would be the shopkeeper’s
gift to the crown prince.
Q13 What manner of passing did the Tiger King have?

Ans On his son’s birthday, the king brought a wooden tiger. It was constructed by an
untrained carpenter. The king’s hand was punctured by one of the creature’s bodily
fragments. The virus spread quickly. The king’s hand underwent surgery by three
surgeons. The king, however, was helpless.
Q14 Why, after having slain 70 tigers, was the Maharaja still in a depressed state?
Ans In ten years, the Maharaja was able to slay 70 tigers. As a result, there were no more
tigers in his domain. The Maharaja became depressed over this since he believed he
would not be able to kill 100 tigers as planned, putting his life in peril.
Q15 Do you think an author who includes several instances of satire in a story faces
the risk of being too cynical? Explain. (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans The plot is unmistakably a satire on the arrogance of individuals in positions of
power. The king was regarded from the start as being incredibly pompous. At the age of
ten days, he spoke out of the blue, “Let the tiger beware,” challenging the astrologer’s
forecast.
Q16 Comment on any one aspect of the writing style of the author, Kalki in The
Tiger King. (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2022-23)
Ans In his story The Tiger King, Kalki employs a straightforward, conversational style of
writing. It is written with a comic and satirical undertone as a satire on individuals in
positions of authority. He captures the irony of how society idolises those in positions of
power and makes fun of it using hyperbole.
Q1 How did the Tiger King stand in danger of losing his kingdom? How was he able
to avoid the danger? Explain.
Ans. In the realm of the Tiger King, a British officer desired to go tiger hunting. But the
king forbade him from doing so. Then the commander informed the monarch that he
could kill the animal himself; all he wanted to do was stand on its carcass and take
pictures. But, the king even turned against doing it. The monarch was in risk of losing his
throne as a result.
A renowned jeweler fulfilled the king’s order for fifty diamond rings. He mailed the
officer’s wife all of the rings. He sent her all fifty rings, assuming the lady would only
keep one or two of them. However, she sent a note of thanks for the gift and kept all of
them. The king had to bear the expense of three lac rupees for it, but he managed to save
his kingdom.
Q2 What rumour was rife in Pratibandapuram about the crown prince Jung Jung
Bahadur?
Ans Astrologers predicted that the Tiger King would eventually have to pass away when
he was born. There was a significant miracle. Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur uttered an
amazing sentence. All people who are born will eventually have to pass away, he stated.
If you could tell us how that person died, it would make some sense.
The chief astrologer then stated that the prince was born during the Bull’s hour. Because
the Tiger and the Bull are rivals, the Tiger would be the one to cause his death. “Let
tigers beware!” the crown prince roared in response. In Pratibandapuram, this rumour
was fairly widespread.
Q3 The astrologers predicted about the king. The child will grow up to become the
warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions. Do you think this
prediction was right?
Ans The astrologers predicted about the king that he would grow into warrior of warriors,
hero of heroes and champion of champions. However, this prediction was nothing but
flattery. The monarch would be killed by a tiger, according to the second portion of the
prophecy. The king only killed tigers during his life.
Killing defenseless creatures with a gun is not a heroic act. The king was actually a
coward and not a fighter. He didn’t give a damn about the environment, his people, or the
interests of his Kingdom in order to protect his life. Paradoxically, his life and death were
identical. He did not pass away while engaged in combat. Yet a wooden tiger ended up
being the reason for his demise.
Q4 The astrologer’s prediction about the death of the Tiger King came true. Do you
agree with this statement?
OR
Did the prophecy of the astrologer come true at the end of the story? How? (CBSE
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2018-19)
Ans To some extent, we can agree with the statement that the astrologer’s prediction
about the death of the Tiger King came true. The astrologer had predicted that the death
of the Tiger King would come from the hundredth tiger. The hunters, who discovered that
the old tiger had not perished by the king’s bullet but had just fainted by the bullet
speeding by him, as opposed to the king himself, killed the hundredth tiger.
The king gave his three-year-old son a wooden toy tiger as the hundredth tiger. It only
took a piece of wood sticking out of it piercing the king’s night hand to murder him. Pus
began to form in the wound, and it eventually covered the entire arm. The best doctors
were unable to rescue the king, confirming the astrologer’s prophecy that the Tiger King
would die.
Q5 What values of life does the story “Tiger King” give us?
Ans This tale demonstrates the urgent necessity to protect the planet’s fauna. A hilarious
ruler known as the Tiger King serves as the story’s protagonist. He began murdering
tigers throughout his kingdom on the basis of a simple forecast. The tigers in his state
eventually went extinct.Then he began exterminating tigers in his father-in-domain, law’s
where they also went extinct.
The author of the narrative aims to convey to us the importance of preserving the
ecological balance of the planet. Life cannot continue in the absence of this equilibrium.
The author also exposes the folly, cruelty and Heartlessness of h humans with regard to
their attitude towards the wild animals.
JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH
A Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
Early this year, I found myself aboard a Russian research vessel the Akademik Shokalskiy
heading towards the coldest, driest, windiest continent in the world: Antarctica. My
journey began 13.09 degrees north of the Equator in Madras, and involved crossing nine
time zones, six checkpoints, three bodies of water, and at least as many ecospheres.
1. Name the chapter from which the following extract has been taken.
C The Tiger King
D Journey to the End of the Earth
Ans D Journey to the End of the Earth

A Tishani Doshi
B Kalki
C Pearl S Buck
D William Saroyan
Ans A Tishani Doshi
3. What was Akademik Shokalskiy?

A A Boat
B A Canoe
C A Watercraft
D All of these
Ans C A Watercraft
4. Where was the narrator going on her journey?

A Amsterdam
B Antarctica
C Australia
D America
Ans B Antarctica
B Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
For a sun-worshipping South Indian like myself, two weeks in a place where 90 percent
of the Earth’s total ice volumes are stored is a chilling prospect (not just for circulatory
and metabolic functions, but also for the imagination). It’s like walking into a giant ping-
pong ball devoid of any human markers – no trees, billboards, buildings. You lose all
earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic
to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries (the
largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour
austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional
avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an immersion that will force
you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s geological history. And for humans, the
prognosis isn’t good.
1. How long was the narrator in Antarctica and the surrounding area?
A 14 Days
B 16 Days
C 18 Days
D 12 Days
Ans A 14 Days
2. In the line “It’s like going into a gigantic ping-pong ball,” what literary device is
employed?
A Transferred Epithet
B Metaphor
C Alliteration
D Simile
Ans D Simile
3. Find out the synonym of ‘Ubiquitous’ from the following?
A Present Everywhere
B Omnipresent
C That is everywhere present
D All of these
Ans D All of these
4. Where was the author originally from?

A North India
B South India
C East India
D West India
Ans B South India
C. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: (CBSE SAMPLE
PAPER 2022-23)
Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly
this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with
inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and
respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now, headed by Canadian
Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who
could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future
generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to
absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.
1. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. The writer
refers to the educational opportunities as ‘inspiring’ because ________________.
Ans these will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet.
2. Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

A Being given the lead role in a play.
B Going on an adventure trip.
C Playing a video game.
D Meeting a great leader, you admire.
Ans C Playing a video game.
3. Select the most suitable title for the given extract.

A Adventure with a Mission
B Adventure – The Spice of Life
C The Wanderlust
D Students of the Future
Ans D Students of the Future
4. Why does the writer refer to ‘act’ as more important than ‘absorb’ or ‘learn’?
Ans It’s also possible that the writer is emphasizing the importance of taking action over
simply learning for the purpose of inspiring and motivating their audience. They may
believe that encouraging people to take action, rather than just passively absorbing
information, is more likely to lead to positive results.
Q1 How do geological phenomena aid our understanding of human history?

OR
How do geological phenomena help us to know about the history of mankind?
(CBSE 2000, 2009)
Ans Geological phenomena help us learn more and more about human history because it
is the only way by which we can understand the past, present, and future of the Earth.
How life was before, and how it has progressively changed now. The world’s geological
history lies imprisoned beneath Antarctica’s strata, according to scientists.
Q2 What signs point to a bright future for humanity?

Ans If global warming doesn’t stop, humanity will soon be expelled from the planet
Earth because of the ozone layer being depleted, deforestation, glacier melting, and the
collapse of ice shelves.
Q3 Akademik Shokalskiy was heading towards Antarctica, why?

Ans Under the direction of Canadian Geoff Green, the Russian ship Akademik
Shokalskiy was sailing towards Antarctica with a crew of 52 people to investigate and
explore human history.
Q4 Name the programme and its objectives. (CBSE 2011)

Ans The programme was Students on Ice with the motive to give high school students the
educational opportunity to do the study of Antarctica.
Q5 After reaching Gondwana, what were the students’ reactions?

Ans They were incredibly excited since they were in an isolated part of the world with no
human habitation and a serene environment; it was a place devoid of vegetation, signs,
and structures.
Q6 Gondwana existed before six hundred and fifty million years ago. Explain.
Ans About 650 million years ago, a giant amalgamated Southern supercontinent
Gondwana did indeed exist centered roughly around present-day Antarctica. The
continents of Gondwana were crushed or separated from each other by meteorites that
fell to Earth. And all the fragments of Gondwana formed a new continent. As a result,
they are the seven continents of the world.
Q7 How does Antarctica factor into environmentalists’ debates?

Ans Antarctica is constantly up for discussion among environmentalists because it is the
only continent that has not been affected by human activity. Concerns over whether it
will melt, whether it will affect the Gulf Stream ocean current, and whether it will bring
about the end of the world are all brought up for discussion.
Q8 Why did Geoff Green begin to only take pupils to Antarctica?

Ans Geoff Green observed that wealthy retirees and famous people only visit Antarctica
for recreational purposes, while students, who would eventually determine policy,
showed curiosity and were willing to take on the challenge.
Q9 “Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves:
What is the relevance of this statement in the context of the Antarctic environment?
Ans Antarctica is the ideal location for research and illustrate how minor environmental
changes can have significant effects because of its simple ecosystem and lack of species.
Photosynthesis is carried out by single-celled, tiny phytoplankton using energy from the
Sun. Also, any impediment to this process will have an impact on the global carbon cycle
as well as the survival of all local birds and marine animals. Experts caution and suggest
that if the tiny things are taken care of, the large things will follow.
Q1 How did the author defend the use of the heading “journey to the end of the earth”?
Ans The author, Tishani Doshi, more than justifies the title “Journey to the End of the
World”. The entire group was excited by their trip to Antarctica and became aware of the
fact that it is the world’s coldest, driest, and windiest continent. Their trip appeared to
have been very successful because one cannot really appreciate Antarctica’s size,
significance, and crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance without physically
travelling there.
Through a thorough investigation of this island, the writer discovered Antarctica to be
still unaffected by humans and sought to understand where we have come from and might
be going. The writer made the assumption that without addressing the rapidly escalating
global warming, we won’t be able to stop the melting of ice, particularly glaciers, and
that maintaining Antarctica, which accounts for 90% of the world’s ice, is essential.
Perhaps, in the near future, Antarctica would bring about the end of the World by causing
the destruction of human life on the planet (if it didn’t stop global warming).
Q2 Describe the journey to Antarctica by the Vessel Akademik Shokalskiy.
Ans 52 persons make up the first troop on the expedition, which is led by adventurer and
knowledgeable Canadian Geoff Green. In order to teach the teens about the urgent need
for the escapement of Antarctica Akademik Shokalskiy, a Russian vessel headed for the
world’s coldest, driest, and windiest continent: Antarctica, he launched the mission
Students on Ice.
Nine time zones, six checkpoints, three bodies of water, and at least as many ecospheres
were traversed during the journey, which started in Madras, which is located 19.09
degrees North of the equator. They travelled for more than 100 hours by vehicle, aircraft,
and ship before arriving at Antarctica’s wide white landscape and unbroken blue horizon,
where vastness and isolation made them wonder-filled and tenacious.
Q3 ‘Take care of small things and big ones will take care of themselves.’ What is the
relevance of this statement in the context of Antarctica?
Ans The little things have their own significance in their own right. When small things
are joined, they have an impact on larger things. Phytoplankton is the grass of the
Southern Ocean, and through the process of photosynthesis, they convert light energy
into the chemical energy that provides food and oxygen to all marine life. Phytoplankton
are very tiny single-celled plants, but they nourish and sustain the entire Southern
Ocean’s food processes (animals and birds). Thus, very small plants are necessary for life
to exist.
Yet, the activity of these plants as well as the entire Earth’s ecology may be impacted by
global warming. These plants use the sun’s energy to absorb carbon and create organic
molecules. The rapidly increasing depletion of the Ozone layer will surely adversely
affect this natural system. By any means, the depletion should be stopped to preserve our
ecological balance and save all mankind and all creatures from extinction. So, opening
our eyes, we should take care of little things to care for the big things automatically and
naturally.
Q4 A lot can happen in a million years, but what a difference a day makes. Explain.
Ans The author travelled to Antarctica, the world’s coldest, driest, and windiest
continent, with a group of 52 people, and she was thrilled to discover the uninhabited,
brutal environment devoid of any trees, signs, or structures. The study of Antarctica can
reveal the secrets of evolution and extinction because the history of the Earth began there.
We urgently need to be conscious of the fact that, in order to prevent the extinction of
humanity, we also need to preserve nature. Antarctica is the ideal location for this
because it contains 90% of the world’s ice and conceals the world’s mysteries beneath its
surface. Writer spent two weeks with a group of teenagers under the leadership of
Canadian Geoff Green, and after assuming the need of action said that a lot could happen
in a million years, but what a difference a day makes.
Q5 Geoff Green, a Canadian explorer and educator, started to include high school
students on the expedition Students on Ice. Explain why?
Ans Since the beginning, Geoff Green has brought famous people, wealthy retirees, and
curious people to Antarctica, but they have all remained unhappy and dissatisfied, and
those in positions of authority have likewise failed to comprehend the issues that face
humanity. They never responded and didn’t seem concerned about the environment. The
overall amount of time wasted and Geoff’s useless attempts were evident. The project
provided an opportunity for newcomers to learn more about our world and ecology as
Geoff began to enlist the help of students, willing individuals, and learners. These kids
seem prepared to take in information, learn it, and act right away.
They realise the threat of global warming and can actually do something as they are the
future policy makers and also expected to act and solve the environmental problems.
Thus, the expedition/movement started to give its results in a positive manner and people
seemed to be aware of global warming.
THE ENEMY
Sadao had taken this into his mind as he did everything his father said, his father who
never joked or played with him but who spent infinite pains upon him who was his only
son. Sadao knew that his education was his father’s chief concern. For this reason he had
been sent at twenty-two to America to learn all that could be learned of surgery and
medicine. He had come back at thirty, and before his father died he had seen Sadao
become famous not only as a surgeon but as a scientist. Because he was perfecting a
discovery which would render wounds entirely clean, he had not been sent abroad with
the troops. Also, he knew, there was some slight danger that the old General might need
an operation for a condition for which he was now being treated medically, and for this
possibility Sadao was being kept in Japan.
1. What does the word ‘infinite’ mean?

A Calculable
B Sempiternal
C Never ending
D Both B and C
Ans D Both B and C
2. What does the speaker mean by “Perfecting a discovery”?

A Honing the discovery
B Making the discovery perfect
C Making himself perfect for Hana
D Both A and B
Ans D Both A and B
3. Why was Dr. Sadao never sent abroad with the troops?
A For he remained ill
B For the General remained ill
C For the was perfecting a discovery
D Both B and C
Ans D Both B and C
4. What does the word ‘troops’ mean?

A Group of soldiers
B Group of generals
C Group of commanders
D Group of brigadiers
Ans A Group of soldiers
The mists screened them now completely, and at this time of day no one came by. The
fishermen had gone home and even the chance beachcombers would have considered the
day at an end. “What shall we do with this man?” Sadao muttered. But his trained hands
seemed of their own will to be doing what they could to stanch the fearful bleeding. He
packed the wound with the sea moss that strewed the beach. The man moaned with pain
in his stupor but he did not awaken. “The best thing that we could do would be to put him
back in the sea,” Sadao said, answering himself.
1. What does the speaker mean by ‘The mists screened them’?

A Mist had hidden them
B Mist had protected them
C Mist had concealed them
D All of these
Ans. D All of these
2. Who is a beachcomber?
A. A vagrant living on beach
B A person walks along a beach looking for valuables
C A wanderer searching for things on the beach
D All of these
Ans D All of these
3. What does the word ‘Strewed’ mean?

A spread out
B protected
C Uncovered
D Unavailable
Ans A spread out
4. Why did they want to throw the man back into the sea?
A For he was an American
B For he was an enemy
C For he was a P.O.W.
D All of these
Ans D All of these
F. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
The two servants were frightened at what their master had just told them. The old
gardener, who was also a house servant, pulled the few hairs on his upper lip. “The
master ought not to heal the wound of this white Iman,” he said bluntly to Hana. “The
white man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught him and wounded him
with her rocks. If the master heals what the gun did and what the sea did they will take
revenge on us.” “I will tell him what you say,” Hana replied courteously.
1. What does the speaker mean by ‘Pulled the few hairs on his upper lip”?
A That he was worried
B That he was baffled
C That he was perplexed
D All of these
Ans D All of these
2. Find out the synonym of ‘Heal’ from the following.

A Cure
B Treat
C Bring around
D All of these
Ans D All of these
3. “They will take revenge on us.” Who said this?

A Hana
B Yumi
C Cook
D None of these
Ans D None of these
4. What does the last few lines of the extract show about the gardener?
A That he was modern
B That he was advanced
C That he was superstitious
D None of these
Ans C That he was superstitious
Q1 What was the main worry his father had regarding Dr. Sadao?
Ans. The father of Sadao took his son’s future seriously. He never made jokes or played
games with him. The education of his son was his father’s first priority. Sadao was
therefore sent to America at the age of twenty-two to learn everything there was to know
about surgery and medicine.
Q2 What state was the American soldier in when Dr. Sadao discovered him by the
shore?
Ans. The US soldier was severely hurt, and there was already a blood stain soaking
through the sand on one side of him. Sadao noticed that the man had a gunshot wound
that had reopened on the right side of his lower back. If the man did not receive
emergency medical attention, he would undoubtedly pass away.
Q3 How did the American professor contribute to the connection between Sadao
and Hana?
Ans Sadao and Hana first connected at the professor’s home. Hana gained Sadao’s
favour. Even though the professor’s wife was quite talkative, the couple was nice, and
Sadao soon moved in as a paying guest. We might therefore conclude that the American
professor and his wife were crucial in bringing Sadao and Hana together.
Q4 What was the father of Dr. Sadao’s vision for his son? How did Sadao become
aware of it?
Ans Dr. Sadao’s father desired for his son to have a prosperous career. With him, he
never made jokes or plays. Sadao was sent to the United States to study every aspect of
surgery and medicine. Sadao eventually rose to prominence as one of Japan’s most
renowned surgeons and scientists. Sadao accomplished his father’s wish in this manner.
Q5 Why had Hana personally cleaned the injured man?

Ans Hana asked Yumi, the governess, to help her wash the man. Yumi, however,
categorically refused, stating that she had never cleaned a white guy and would never do
so. And that man was their adversary. Hana was therefore forced to wash the man by
herself.
Q6 How could you say that the American was tortured? Who might have abused
him?
Ans On the American’s neck’s backside, there were crimson marks. It was evident that
the man had endured severe torture. The wicked General Takima of Japan was a terrible
person. It’s likely that he tortured the man.
Q7 What transpired as the second event of the afternoon? Why did this scare Hana,
the doctor’s wife, so badly?
Ans The second event occurred in the afternoon. Hana was really alarmed when a
messenger in a business suit arrived at their home. She guessed that he might have come
to take her husband into custody. But, the man insisted that Dr. Sadao accompany him
because the old General was in pain.
Q8 How did the General respond to Dr. Sadao’s account of hiding the enemy
combatant?
Ans Dr. Sadao went to the elderly General and told him the entire tale. Also, he informed
him because he had worked hard to save the man, he didn’t want to turn him over to the
police. The General now volunteered to send him hired killers. They were quite skilled
and knowledgeable about internal bleeding, he claimed.
Q9 The author has used ‘blood’ as a symbol in the story. Comment on its impact on
the reader. (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans Blood has an effect on readers, making them realise how racist or prejudiced
nationalistic pride is.
An important part of the story’s main topic involves blood. The cook also permits the
bird’s blood into the wisteria. An elaborate symbol is blood. The blood-covered doctors
who are tending to both American and Japanese soldiers represent the interconnectedness
of all humankind.
Q1 To choose between professional loyalty and patriotism was a dilemma for Dr

Sadao. How did he succeed in betraying neither?
Ans Sadao was instructed in the medical study, not to allow anyone to perish if he or she
can be helped. On the seashore close to his home, he came across an enemy soldier who
was seriously hurt. If the man didn’t get the right medical care, he might die. Now, Dr.
Sadao made the decision to operate on the man despite the fact that he was an enemy
soldier. He gave him excellent care and attention.
Dr. Sadao was able to uphold his commitment to his career in this way. Yet, Dr. Sadao
had a deep sense of patriotism. He was aware that harbouring an enemy soldier
constituted treason. He therefore addressed a letter about it to the authorities and stored it
in his drawer. Even the old General received the full account of the enemy soldier from
him. Another issue is that the general did nothing to stop the enemy soldier. But Dr.
Sadao managed to strike the ideal balance between his dedication to his profession and
his country.
Q2 Good values are far above any other value system. How did Dr Sadao succeed as
a doctor as well as a patriot?
OR
Sadao and Hana have a moral compass which urges them to save the prisoner’s life.
Do we all need this moral compass? Why? (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans Dr. Sadao embodies the higher ideals of kindness, compassion, and love for people
as well as love for one’s interest. He was trained not to let someone die if he could heal
them because he is a doctor. On the seashore close to his home, he discovered an enemy
soldier one evening who was seriously hurt. If the man didn’t get the right medical care,
he might die.
Now, despite the fact that the man was an enemy soldier, Dr. Sadao chose to operate on
him. As a result of his excellent care and attention, Dr. Sadao was able to uphold his
commitment to his career. Yet, Dr. Sadao had a deep sense of patriotism. He was aware
that harbouring an enemy soldier constituted treason. As a result, he wrote a letter about
it to the authorities and stored it in his drawer. Even the old General received the full
account of the enemy soldier from him. Another issue is that the general did nothing to
stop the enemy soldier. As a result, Dr. Sadao was successful both as a physician and a
patriot.
Q3 How can you say that Sadao’s father was very serious about his son’s study?
Ans The father of Dr. Sadao took his son’s education extremely seriously. Dr. Sadao
shared a home with his father that was perched on a cliff not far from the seashore. When
he was a schoolboy, he used to play there. The Japanese beach was close to a few islands.
His father frequently took him there, telling him that the Islands served as a stepping
stone for Japan’s future. Sadao’s father took planning for his future extremely seriously.
He never cracked jokes or made fun of him. Sadao was aware that his father was mostly
concerned with his studies.
At the age of 22, Sadao was sent to America to study all there was to know about surgery
and medicine. He returned at the age of thirty and went on to become a well-known
scientist and surgeon. He had not been transported overseas with the Troop because he
was working to perfect a finding that would completely heal wounds. We might claim
that Dr. Sadao’s success as a scientist and surgeon was made possible by his father’s
efforts.
Q4 Explain the reaction of the servants in Dr Sadao’s house when he decided to give
shelter to an enemy in the house.
OR
Pearl Buck depicts the servants in a way to convey a message about Japanese people
and culture. Support your answer with textual evidence. (CBSE QUESTION
BANK)
Ans The concept of housing an enemy soldier did not go well with Dr. Sadao’s
household staff. Yumi, the doctor’s child’s nurse, flatly declined to bathe the white man.
She declared that she had never washed a white man and would never do so. The elderly
gardener believed in superstitions. He declared that saving the man was pointless.
He frankly stated to Hana that the white man should not be saved. He had been shot first.
He was then captured by the waves. But, they believed that Dr. Sadao had betrayed them
when they learned that he would not turn the man over to the police. They chose to go
from his home.
Q5 Sadao’s acceptance of the General’s plan to assassinate Tom was

counterproductive to having put him on the path of recovery. Substantiate with
reason/s. (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2020-21)
Ans Although it was unwise for Sadao to agree to the General’s plot to kill Tom, doing
so set him on the road to recovery. He had received assurances from General Takima that
he would dispatch his personal hit men to his home, kill him, and dispose of the body.
Later, when the General fell ill, he was so distraught that he neglected to send the
assassins. It took Sadao three days to wait.
POW, meanwhile, quickly healed and regained his health. Sadao made the decision to
assist the POW in finding a safe escape. He gave him a boat, enough food for a few days,
and a lamp to use if he needed to signal for more assistance. He gave him instructions to
board a Korean vessel and travel to an American base.
He had to go to the General for an examination after a few days. He brought up his
pledge to send his killers. The general asked him not to divulge his forgetfulness to
anybody as he may be in serious danger and charged with treason. The general also
apologised for forgetting to send the assassins.
Q6 Sadao and Hana look upon their time in America with disdain due to the
prejudice that they were subjected to. How does racial prejudice taint a person’s
soul forever? (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans Doctor Sadao was a highly obedient and humanitarian person. He felt strongly
compelled by his obligation to aid the enemy soldier. He put the needs of the American
soldier ahead of the prejudices of race and nation. Without caring if the patient was a
friend or foe, his wife also offered a helping hand. He was juggling his doctoral
responsibilities on the one hand and the adversary on the other, but humanity and
compassion won out.
While Japan and America were at war at the time, no one could provide shelter to an
enemy. He had been aware of the negative effects of racial discrimination among whites
even throughout his training. His emotions of patriotism prevented him from ignoring his
medical obligations because it is a doctor’s responsibility to save humanity. Here, Dr.
Sadao’s sense of national allegiance and professional commitment clashed. He could
have faced all charges of being a traitor, but he risked his own life to save the American
soldier. He operated on him and provided for him in the most perilous circumstances.
ON THE FACE OF IT
DERRY: You think…. ‘Here’s a boy. You look at me…and then you see my face and you
think. That’s bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever saw.’ You think,
‘Poor boy. But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am.
When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me.
1. Why does Derry not want to be called ‘Poor’?

A For he was rich
B For he was well off
C For he had ample resources to earn
D None of these
Ans D None of these

A Indigo
B On the face of It .
C Evans Tries an O Level
D The Rattrap
Ans B On the Face of It
3. Why is everyone afraid of Derry, according to him?

A For he was physically disabled
B For he had burnt body
C For he had tin leg
D For he had half-burnt face
Ans D For he had half-burnt face
4. Who is the author of this chapter?

A Selma Lagerlof
B Susan Hill
C Colin Dexter
D None of these
Ans B Susan Hill
MR LAMB: Some call them weeds. If you like, then….a weed garden, that. There’s fruit
and there are flowers, trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there….weeds. I grow weeds
there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the
difference? It’s all life…. growing. Same as you and me.
1. What are weeds?

A Unwanted flowers
B Wanted flowers
C medicinal plants
D Wild flowers
Ans A Unwanted flowers
2. What is the difference between weeds and flowers according to Mr. Lamb?
A Both are poles apart
B Both are same
C Both are different
D None of these
Ans B Both are same
3. What does the speaker mean by ‘All sorts’?
A All flowers
B All weeds
C All kinds
D All of these
Ans C All kinds
4. How does Mr. Lamb view his weeds?

A As same as flowers
B Not same as flowers
C As Derry views
D None of these
Ans A As same as flowers
DERRY: It won’t make my face change. Do you know, one day, a woman went by me in
the street – I was at a bus-stop-and she was with another woman, and she looked at me,
and she said…. whispered….only I heard her…. she said, “Look at that, that’s a terrible
thing. That’s a face only a mother could love.”
1. Who called Derry ugliest?

A Derry’s mother
B Derry’s neighbor
C Derry’s friend
D None of these
Ans D None of these
2. What does the word ‘Whisper’ mean?

A To speak loudly
B To speak whole heartedly
C To speak politely
D To speak slowly
Ans D To speak slowly
3. What has been called ‘Terrible’ here?

A Mr. Lamb’s leg
B Derry’s face
C Derry’s shabby appearance
D None of these
Ans B Derry’s face
4. How did people treat Derry?
A Made fun of his mother
B Made fun of him
C Made fun of his half burnt face
D All of these
Ans C Made fun of his half burnt face
Q1 What connects the two, Derry and Mr. Lamb? How does Mr. Lamb motivate the
youngster?
Ans Derry and Mr. Lamb both have physical handicaps. Derry’s face is burned on one
side, and Mr. Lamb is without one of his legs. Both of them are lonely. Mr. Lamb
receives no visitors and is the subject of numerous rumours. People tend to avoid Derry
and stare in wonder at his face. As a result, they both have similar issues. Derry and Mr.
Lamb are connected by this bond. Mr. Lamb helps the young boy develop self-
confidence.
Q2 What is Mr. Lamb’s name?

Ans Mr. Lamb is old and he is a former soldier. A bomb explosion caused him to lose
one of his legs. At a home with a garden, he lives alone. He never receives visitors.
Youngsters refer to him as Lamey Lamb.
Q3 What oddities does Derry detect about the senior citizen Mr. Lamb?
Ans Mr. Lamb is a former soldier. His garden doors are constantly left open. His garden
is open to everyone. The windows of his house are not covered with drapes. These are
very unusual occurrences for Derry.
Q4 What physical condition does Mr. Lamb have?

Ans Mr. Lamb lost one of his legs in the war. In its stead he had a tin leg. He was
mockingly referred to as Lamey Lamb by the kids. Also, nobody ever visited him. Many
rumours have been spread about him.
Q5 In the play, why does Derry tell Mr. Lamb that he fears looking in the mirror?
Ans Derry has burns on one side of his face. On this side, acid had spilled. He had an
extremely terrible face. They would frequently bring up his face. Derry therefore
confesses to Mr. Lamb his fear of looking in the mirror.
Q6 How does Mr. Lamb strive to dispel the unfounded concerns about Derry?
Ans Derry is informed by Mr. Lamb that he has two eyes, two ears, two legs, two arms, a
brain, and a tongue, just like everyone else. He is free to pursue any goals or actions. Mr.
Lamb makes an effort to allay false concerns about Derry in this way.
Q7 Do you think Derry’s mother is protective of him? Justify your opinion with
textual evidence. (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
OR
How do you think Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and
isolation? (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2021-22)
Ans Although Derry’s mother has minimal character development in the play, she comes
out as both overprotective and uncaring towards her son. She makes him stay at home
due to his facial injuries, which adds to his isolation, and she treats him with sympathy
that deprives him of his dignity by treating him like a victim who is always powerless.
Derry leaves Mr. Lamb’s house despite his mother forbidding him to participate in the
play, finally asserting himself positively.
Q8 Why did Derry go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition? (CBSE
QUESTION BANK)
Ans Under Mr. Lamb’s direction, Derry acquired a fresh perspective on life. He appeared
upbeat and content. Derry had lost interest in his appearance and face. He was more
focused on himself, what he believed and felt, and what he desired to see, learn, and hear.
He was aware that if he did not return to Mr. Lamb’s garden at that point, he would never
again enter that realm. He desired a world. He no longer desired to avoid it or the
populace.
Q1 Narrate the first meeting between Mr. Lamb and Derry?

Ans Derry and Mr. Lamb first cross paths in the garden of Mr. Lamb. Derry, a young
man, enters the garden. He believes nobody is in the garden. He then hears Mr. Lamb
say, “Mind the apples,” though. When Derry hears that voice, he is startled. In his
opinion, nobody was present in the garden. He wants to leave, but Mr. Lamb tells him
that he is welcome to stay in the garden.
Derry is seated next to Mr. Lamb. They engage in an emotional discussion. They
genuinely like being with one another. Mr. Lamb has left the military. A bomb blast had
severed one of his legs. Nobody pays him a visit. Many rumours have been spread about
him. Children make fun of him. Derry’s situation is not much different either. Due to
acid, one side of his face gets burned.
Q2 Why do you think Derry is so pessimistic? How does Mr Lamb give solace to the
boy?
OR
Optimism in one‟s attitude helps deal with all the challenges in life. Prove the
statement by referring to the character Mr. Lamb from the chapter “On the Face of
It‟. (CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2018-19)
Ans Derry’s face has an acid burn on one side. People are in awe of him. They claim it to
be the most repulsive sight they have ever seen. As Derry looks in the mirror, he feels
threatened by himself. He has developed a strong pessimism. Even his mother, he
understands, doesn’t fully love him. She merely performs her motherly obligations.
Because of the acid burn, she never kisses the burned side of his face; instead, she always
kisses the other side. Yet Lamb offers the youngster a lot of comfort and motivation. He
assures him that he is not disabled like him. He possesses two hands, two legs, two eyes,
and two ears. He is capable of anything. He also counsels him to approach life with
optimism.
Q3 What lesson of life does Mr Lamb tell Derry? What effect does it have on him?
Ans In a battle, Mr. Lamb lost one of his legs. He claims to Derry that he is not disabled
like him. He possesses two hands, two feet, two ears, and two eyes. He is capable of
anything. He also counsels him to approach life with optimism. Then he begins to explain
to Derry how he lives his own life. He claims that he is interested in everything that God
made.
Some claim that bees buzz, but in his opinion, they hum. Every growing thing contains
life, according to Lamb. Even weeds are significant to him. He explains to Derry that
what matters is who he is on the inside, not how he appears. Derry learns from this that
beauty is only surface deep. He is aware that he is not beneath anyone. He has complete
freedom.
Q4 How did Mr Lamb try to give courage and confidence to Derry?

Ans Mr. Lamb left the military. A bomb blast had caused him to lose one of his legs. In
his yard, he first encountered Derry. Derry’s face has an acid burn on one side because of
which Derry had developed a strong sense of pessimism. Yet Mr. Lamb argued that he
was not similarly disabled. He possessed two hands, two legs, two eyes, and two ears. He
had unlimited potential. He also counseled him to approach life with optimism. Then he
began describing to Derry his own philosophy of life.
He claimed that God produced everything that piqued his curiosity. Many might say the
bees buzz, but in his opinion, they hum. Every growing creature, in accordance with
Lamb, contained life. Even weeds were significant to him. He explained to Derry that it
wasn’t how he appeared; rather, it was who he was on the inside. Derry now recognises
that beauty is merely superficial.
Q5 Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry. (CBSE SAMPLE
Ans There is a lot of similarity between the two characters. They have a tight life and are
unhappy, disillusioned, and alone. Derry has an inferiority complex and a pessimistic
outlook on life because acid has eaten through his face. He attempts to distance himself
from society’s norms since he makes people afraid of him. He is aloof and belligerent. He
has little faith in humans and believes that only his mother would ever truly love him. He
is unable to look the folks in the eye.
Mr. Lamb, on the other hand, does not let his impairment stand in his way. He adopts a
cheerful outlook and accepts life as it is. Even though kids call him Lamey-Lamb, he
doesn’t seem to mind. He constantly leaves his door open. When people come to see him,
he feeds the kids toffees. He has friends all across the world. Despite having a tiny limb,
he is happy in life. He reads while relaxing in the sunshine. He cultivates flowers, fruits,
weeds, and plants. Derry is greatly impacted by Mr. Lamb’s upbeat outlook since “he
loves everybody and everything.”
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
PART-1 THE CUTTING OF MY LONG HAIR

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the
ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice
crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of
shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an
undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within
which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost
freedom, all was useless.

C The Tiger King
Ans B Memories of Childhood

A Bama
B Zitkala-Sa
C Jo
D Clare
Ans B Zitkala-Sa
3. How was the narrator feeling in her new school?

A Relieved
B Annoyed
C Ecstatic
D Mesmerized
Ans B Annoyed
4. What is belfry?
A A bell tower
B Dormitory
C A room for rest
D A kind of hostel
Ans A A bell tower
B Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just
as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell
was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again. I
heard a man’s voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the
others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I
caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes.
1. What was the narrator unable to understand in the dining hall?

A Standing by formula
B Eating by formula
C Crying by formula
D None of these
Ans B Eating by formula
2. Why were others standing in the dining hall?

A For they were waiting for their teacher
B For they were waiting for their principal
C For they were waiting for their Headmistress
D For they were praying before they eat
Ans D For they were praying before they eat
3. Who was staring at the narrator?
A Paleface man
B Paleface woman
C Boys who entered their party
D Principal
Ans B Paleface woman
4. How did Zitkala-Sa react to the situation?

A She too stared at the paleface woman
B She dropped her food
C She dropped her eyes
D None of these
Ans C She dropped her eyes
C Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as
quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes.
Along the hall I passed, without knowing whether I was going. Turning aside to an open
door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with
dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I
directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I
crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.
1. Why did the narrator hide herself?

A in order to protect her hair
B in order to avert the punishment
C in order to complete the homework
D None of these
Ans A in order to protect her hair
2. Who was looking for the narrator?

A Paleface woman
B Girls of her school
C Both A and B
D Neither A and B
Ans C Both A and B
3. Where did Zitkala-Sa hide herself?

A In her hostel
B Under the bed
C In washroom
D In her class
Ans B Under the bed
4. Which literary device has been used in ‘squeaky shoes’?

A Simile
B Personification
C Alliteration
D Repetition
Ans C Alliteration
Q1 What does this chapter tell us about the first day’s weather in the country of
apples?
Ans According to Zitkala Sa, the first day in the apple-growing region was extremely
chilly because snow still covered the ground and the trees were barren.
Q2 The Indian females’ attire was what? Why did Zitkala feel as though she was
slipping to the ground?
Ans The Indian girls wore tight-fitting skirts and stiff-soled shoes. The little girls had
shingled hair and aprons with sleeves. It seemed really impolite to Zitkala. Due to the
removal of the blanket from her shoulders, she felt herself sinking into the ground.
Q3 Who was Judewin? What did she say to Zitkala?

Ans Zitkala had a pal named Judewin. She had some basic English skills. They would
shingle Zitkala’s long, heavy hair, the white woman had overheard. Zitkala, according to
her, had to submit to them.
Q4 What information had Zitkala’s mother imparted to her regarding their tribe’s
hair customs?
Ans Only inexperienced warriors who were taken had their hair shingled by the enemy,
according to what Zitkala’s mother had told her. In her tribe, cowards wore shingled hair
and mourners wore short hair.
Q5 Where did Zitkala hide herself to save her hair?

Ans Zitkala took refuge in a sizable space. The room was incredibly dark because of the
thick green curtains that covered the windows. There was nobody in the room. She
squeezed herself into a shadowy crevice under a bed.
Q6 How were Zitkala-Sa’s long hair shingled?

Ans Girls and women invaded the space where Zitkala Sa was concealing himself. She
was carried away. She yelled out in protest. They confined her tightly to a chair. The
scissors’ cool blades brushed across her neck as she continued to shake her head. She had
shingly hair as a result.
Q7 At the dining table why did Zitkala-Sa begin to cry when others start eating?
Ans Everyone else began eating at the table with a knife and fork. But Zitkala started to
sob. She found using a formula to be a really difficult trial.
Q8 How did Zitkala-Sa’s first day in the land of apples begin?

Ans It was really cold on the first day at the land of apples. When Zitkala noticed that the
Indians were wearing constricting clothing, she thought it was quite impolite. She broke
down in tears at the dinner table because she was unable to use a knife and fork to eat.
She eventually had shingled hair.
Q9 Zitkala-Sa mentions the indignities she had to suffer as a child. How do such
indignities break the morale of a child? (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans Because Zitkala Sa came from a lower caste household, she was forced to endure
severe indignities. Such humiliations could crush a child’s spirit, and they can choose the
incorrect road to fight for their fundamental rights, which could lead to them being cold-
hearted. She had been gazed at, moved around like a wooden puppet, forced to wear tight
clothing, and had her hair shingled.
Q1 Explain in detail Zitkala’s experience at the land of apples?

Ans On the first day in the country of apples, it was really cold. The breakfast bell rung
loudly. Shoe clattering on the floor was obtrusive. After them, a white old woman
approached. She observed Native American (Indian) girls who were wearing tight-fitting
gowns and stiff-soled shoes, which she thought was rather immodest. While the boys
came in at the opposite door.
All of them marched to breakfast. Once a little bell rang, each kid pulled out a chair from
under the table. Zitkala speculated that they might take a seat. The others were standing
and muttering a little prayer when she sat down as well. Likewise rising was Zitkala Sa.
She afterwards discovered that the others had taken their seats. Eventually a man’s voice
could be heard. Everyone retrieved their fork and knife and started munching. Zitkala,
however, found this formulaic eating to be quite challenging. But, this was not her
toughest test. She felt like an animal in a herd and had shingly hair.
Q2 Reproduce briefly in your own words Zitkala Sa’s experience in the dining
room.
Ans The dining room’s tables and chairs were set up. Following the tapping of a little
bell, each pupil pulled out a chair from underneath the table. Zitkala also sat down after
bringing out the chair. Then she observed that while everyone else was standing, she was
seated. She started to stand up, but the second bell soon rang. Finally, everyone was
seated.
When a man’s voice could be heard at one end of the hallway, she turned to look for him.
But, everyone else kept their heads bowed over the dishes. The man stopped murmuring,
and the third bell was rung. Everyone retrieved their fork and knife and started munching.
Zitkala, though, broke down in tears. She found the experience of eating by a formula to
be too difficult.
Q3 What did Zitkala do to prevent her hair? How did her efforts prove futile?
Ans Zitkala made the decision not to allow her hair to shingle. She waited for her chance,
then vanished when no one was looking. She took refuge in a sizable space. The room
was incredibly dark because of the thick green curtains that covered the windows. There
was nobody in the room. She crept under a bed and took cover in a shadowy area.
She could hear voices shouting her name and footsteps nearby in the hallway from where
she was hiding. Judewin, one of her friends, was even looking for her. The sounds got
closer and closer. Girls and women entered the space. She was carried away. She yelled
out in protest. They confined her tightly to a chair. The scissors’ cool blades brushed
across her neck as she continued to shake her head. She had shingled hair as a result.
Q4 The two accounts that you read above are based in two distant cultures. What is
the commonality of themes found in both of them?
Ans Zitkala-Sa, a young Native American woman, is mentioned in the first narrative. The
European settlers were prejudiced against the aboriginal people. Native Indians are
nothing more than enemies to them. Somewhat against Zitkala’s wishes, they shingled
her hair. They were not interested in honouring their culture.
Bama’s account is the second. She came from a community that was struggling. The
upper caste individuals regarded them with contempt. They believed that the simple act
of interacting with members of her community would contaminate them. Hence, it is
clear that Zitkala and Bama belonged to various societies and cultures. Nonetheless, the
essential themes of both stories are the same: racial prejudice exists practically
everywhere in the globe and people from oppressed communities are treated like animals.
Q5“Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.” Comment on this statement

with reference to the story. (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans There will be resistance where there is oppression suggests that downtrodden people
will eventually exact some sort of retaliation on their oppressors. The phrase can be
found in the Memories of Childhood excerpts. My lengthy hair was trimmed, and that is
the specific extract here. The passage clarifies issues of racial prejudice and society’s
severe treatment of women. The focus of the passage is on two women named Zitkala Sa
and Bama.
Zitkala-Sa must enrol in a boarding school administered by the government where her
long hair is clipped without her knowledge. She displayed rebellion against the injustice
she had to experience in how she responded to this situation. She initially protests getting
her hair cut, but ultimately she was forced to do so by the authorities. But, the removal of
her hair did not spell the end of her struggle against the injustice she had to face. She
resists throughout her life by advocating for Native American rights and advancing
Native American culture through her writing and action. Her actions demonstrate that
oppression resistance can take on a wide variety of forms and can persist long after the
first oppressive act has been carried out.
PART-2 WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS
I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was
actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty
minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to
dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining
novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

A Zitkala-Sa
B Bama
C Getrude Simmons
D None of these
Ans B Bama
2. How long would it take Bama to reach home?

A Thirty Minutes
B Ten Minutes
C Twenty Minutes
D Forty Minutes
Ans A Thirty Minutes
3. What does the narrator mean by novelties and oddities?

A New and Different
B Different and New
C New
D Different
Ans A New and Different
4. Which class would Bama study in?
A Class II
B Class III
C Class IV
D Class V
Ans B Class III
After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him
the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and
an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not
amused. Annan told me the man wasn’t being funny when he carried the package like
that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch
us. If they did, they would be polluted. That’s why he had to carry the package by its
string.
1. Who was Bama’s elder brother?

A Annan
B Landlord
C Elderly Man
D None of these
Ans A Annan
2. Why was Annan not amused?

A For he knew the reality
B For he was not there
C For he was not interested
D None of these
Ans A For he knew the reality
3. What would have happened if the elderly man had touched the packet?
A The landlord would have eaten it
B The landlord would have shared the food with him
C The landlord would have considered it polluted
D None of these
Ans C The landlord would have considered it polluted
4. Why was the elderly man carrying the packet with a string?
A lest he should touch the food
B lest he should touch the packet
C Both A and B
D Neither A nor B
Ans C Both A and B
C Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
Annan told me all these things. And he added, “Because we are born into this community,
we are never given any honour or dignity or respect, we are stripped of all that. But if we
study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn
all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own
accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn. The words that Annan spoke
to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my
breath and being.
1. Which caste did Bama hail from?

A Upper Caste
B Lower Caste
C Middle Class
D None of these
Ans B Lower Caste
2. How could they throw away those indignities according to Annan?

A By studying
B By progressing
C By educating the upcoming generations
D All of these
Ans D All of these
3. How did Bama take her brother’s words?

A She started ignoring him
B She stopped going to school
C Took his words positively
D None of these
Ans C Took his words positively

C The Tiger King
Ans B Memories of Childhood

Q1 How long would it take Bama to reach her home?
Ans Bama’s school and home were literally within walking distance of one another.
Nonetheless, she would typically need at least 30 minutes to get home. Her feet would be
anchored to the ground by a variety of intriguing items.
Q2 What did she see one day when she came from school?
Ans One day, when she arrived at her street, she noticed that a threshing floor had been
put up at the opposite corner, and the landlord was sitting on a piece of sacking spread
out on a stone ledge, watching the proceedings. In order to separate the grain from the
straw, the residents of her hamlet were hard at work driving cattle in pairs around and
around.
Q3 What scene made Bama laugh loudly?

Ans Bama noticed a neighbourhood elder walking towards her from the direction of the
bazaar. In his hands, he had a little packet. Bama surmised that the packet contained
something resembling vadas. When Bama noticed this, she wanted to laugh out loud.
Without touching it, he was holding out the packet by its cord. She reasoned that if the
packet were opened in this way, the entire contents would spill out.
Q4 When did Bama come to know about the social discrimination towards her
community?
Ans When Bama was still a schoolgirl, she first learned about it. She observed a village
elder removing a package of vadais from its string. She reasoned that by doing this, the
packet could be opened completely and its contents would be separated. The individual
for whom the snacks were delivered belonged to a high caste, and her brother believed
that the mere touch of anyone from their community would taint him, she was told by her
brother.
Q5 What advise did Annan give to Bama?

Ans Bama was instructed by Annan to study carefully and retain everything. Then the
populace would approach her voluntarily and affix themselves to her. She was
profoundly affected by Annan’s words.
Q6 Why did the landlord’s man ask Bara’s brother on which street he lived? What
was the significance?
Ans The segregated neighbourhood that Bama yearned for had residents who lived on a
specific street. The landlord’s guy was interested in learning Bama’s brother’s caste.
Thus, he inquired as to his street of residence.
Q7 Bama’s innocence was lost when she came face to face with the ugly truth of
racial discrimination. Do you think children who have a difficult childhood become
even more resolute than children who have a comfortable one? (CBSE QUESTION
BANK)
Ans Currently, racial prejudice is a topic of frequent discussion. This type of component
does not portend well for the future of a child. Children who experience a difficult
childhood become even more determined because they must overcome obstacles and
make up their minds to do so. But, kids who grow up in comfort are unable to
comprehend how serious the threats to human existence are. Because they are unable to
overcome the obstacle, they are unable to do so for the rest of their lives.
Q1 How long did Bama take to reach home from school and why? Write briefly
what she did on her way?
Ans Although she could have covered the distance in ten minutes, it generally took her at
least thirty minutes to get home. Her feet would be anchored to the ground by many
intriguing things. There might be a monkey show. A snake charmer who keeps his snake
in a basket might be present. A biker who hadn’t ridden for three days might exist.
She would observe the large bell hanging in the temple. She would observe the
preparation of the Pongal offerings. Afterwards entertainment might be provided in the
form of a street play, a puppet performance, or a magic show. These were the
obstructions in her path that frequently caused her to pause.
Q2 When did Bama come to know about the social discrimination towards her
community?
Ans Bama thought it was amusing how her community’s elders carried their snacks.
Without touching the packet, he was holding it out by its string. She reasoned that if the
packet were opened in this way, the entire contents would spill out. But, her brother
informed her that it wasn’t amusing at all.
The upper caste individuals believed that they would become contaminated by their
community members’ physical touch. Bama learned about the social prejudice against her
community at that point. She was furious when she had this thinking. She pondered why
their people should perform menial tasks for members of the upper caste. All they needed
to do was grab their pay.
Q3 The two accounts that you read above are based in two distant cultures. What is
the commonality of themes found in both of them?
Ans Zitkala-Sa, a young Native American woman, is mentioned in the first narrative. The
European settlers were prejudiced against the aboriginal people. Native Indians are
nothing more than enemies to them. Somewhat against Zitkala’s wishes, they shingled
her hair. They were not interested in honouring their culture.
Bama’s account is the second. She came from a community that was struggling. The
upper caste individuals regarded them with contempt. They believed that the simple act
of interacting with members of her community would contaminate them. Hence, it is
clear that Zitkala and Bama belonged to various societies and cultures. Nonetheless, the
essential themes of both stories are the same: racial prejudice exists practically
everywhere in the globe and people from oppressed communities are treated like animals.
Q4 It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion
are sowed early in life. Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being
noticed even by children?
Ans Elders in oppressed groups grow accustomed to the injustice. They do not raise a
fuss over any tyranny since they see it as a part of their destiny. Children’s minds,
however, are incredibly impressionable. They are aware of all forms of repression and
humiliation. They generally revolt against any oppression. When they witness injustice
being done to someone, they become quite upset. When they become adults, they make
every effort to eradicate any customs that view them as less human. Hence we might
argue that the seeds of revolt are sowed early in life.
Q5 Barna’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of

discrimination does ZitkalaSa’s experience depict? What are their responses to their
respective situations?
Ans Native American was named Zitkala-Sa. Native Indians are greatly despised by the
European colonisers. They view them as lower beings. They show no regard for their
customs. Zitkala was shingled for this reason. Bama, on the other hand, comes from a
community that is underprivileged. They are viewed as inferior beings by those of high
caste. They believe that even their slightest touch would contaminate Both Zitkala and
Bama responded differently to their unique circumstances.
To avoid having her hair shingled, Zitkala hid herself in a space. But, she was exposed,
and her hair started to flake. Bama was enraged when she learned about the elder of their
street’s humiliation. She put a lot of effort into her studies so that other people would
respect her and want to be her friends.
Q6 Children relish the small pleasures of life just like Bama did when she dawdled
along on her way back from school, enjoying all the novelties. Elaborate. (CBSE
QUESTION BANK)
Ans Children naturally find joy and pleasure in the small things in life because of their
fundamental sense of wonder and curiosity. Kids don’t need extravagant gifts or
spectacular gestures to be joyful; often the tiniest things can make them the happiest.
The story of Bama serves as an illustration of this, as she dallied on her walk home from
school while taking in all the novelties around her. She was able to completely enjoy her
surroundings and delight in the simple things as a result of doing this. She might have
gotten out of the car to inspect a bright flower growing by the side of the road or to see a
bird sitting on a nearby tree branch. Perhaps she stopped to admire how the sun was
sinking and casting a pleasant glow over everything in her immediate surroundings.
Bama could take pleasure and relish in whatever it was that attracted her eye.
Taking the time to enjoy the little things in life can help us feel more pleased and
fulfilled, even when things are stressful or challenging. This is a useful lesson for people
of all ages. We can find joy in the most basic things, such as a warm cup of tea, a nice
book, or a hug from a loved one, by taking our time and observing the world around us.
These seemingly insignificant pleasures can have a significant impact on our general
happiness and well-being.
Q7 Both Bama and Zitkala Sa experienced the harsh reality of discrimination in

their childhood. Instead of letting it pull them down, they both found a way to
overcome it. You wish to include a cameo* of both in your upcoming blog post. As a
part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and
their response/s to these experiences, in 120-150 words. (CBSE SAMPLE
Ans Both Bama and Zitkala Sa’s discriminating experiences made a lasting impression
on their impressionable young minds. Zitkala was discriminated against because she
came from a different culture, whereas Bama was discriminated against because of her
lower caste. When Bama learned of the unfair acts by the higher castes, she became
enraged and wanted to touch the package of “vadai” to protest the injustice.
Zitkala battled valiantly to resist having her hair chopped and so to safeguard her cultural
customs, but in the end, she was compelled to give up. Bama and Zitkala both put forth a
lot of effort to be the best in their industries because they understood that education was
the strongest defence against discriminatory behaviours. They both trained as authors and
used their writing to raise awareness of the issue and defend the rights of their respective
communities.

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READING SKILLS

FACTUAL, DESCRIPTIVE OR LITERARY PASSAGES

1. To teach them about treachery.

(b) What is essential to become a successful adult?

1. Learn not to overcome challenges

1. They feel more secure and better.

B. Answer the following questions briefly: 1 x 6 = 6

(a) What values do parents and teachers want children to learn?

C. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as: 1 x 2 = 2

(a) a feeling of satisfaction (para 1)

(a) Space adventure claims that………………….

(b) Some design contestants feel convinced that………………….

1. space trips will never be made available

1. underwent rigid medical checkups

(d) Suborbital travellers will need

1. two years training course

C. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as: 1 x 2 = 2

(a) profitable (lines 15 to 25)

(a) 1. it is a lucrative business

1. Call it a blessing or a curse of Mother Nature, we have to breathe in over 10,000

(a) The Almighty wants that human beings…………………

1. should try to breathe clean air

(b) The toxic gases cause …………………

(c) Air conditioning plants become the cause of …………………

(d) Asbestos is a hazardous product because it can

1. cause cancer in humans

B. Answer the following questions briefly: 1 x 6 = 6

(a) What is essential for our life? How?

(a) make impure (Para 2)

(a) 1. should try to breathe clean air

(a) Email spam victimises ……………….

(b) Usenet spam deprives the users of ……………….

1. the utility of the newsgroups

(d) Who has to pay most of the costs of spam?

B. Answer the following questions briefly: 1 x 6 = 6

C. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as: 1 x 2 = 2

(a) a mischievous trick played on somebody for a joke (lines 10 to 20)

CASE- BASED FACTUAL PASSAGE

1. Read the passage given below: [CBSE SET 2, 2021-22]

4. He was disappointed with his debut performance at the 1956 Melbourne

6. On how he pushed himself through the tough days of vigorous training. “I

(ii) List any two of Milkha Singh’s achievements.

(iv) State two consequences of his hard and strenuous practice.

1. Milkha Singh was known as ‘The Flying Sikh’.

(iii) He was awarded Padam Shiri for his sporting achievements.

4. ( i) He was drained of all energy.

(ii) He would vomit blood or drop-down unconscious through sheer exercise.

Annual earnings of J.K. Rowling from 2010 to 2019

(i) Explain J.K. Rowling’s ‘near magical rise to fame’.

(iii) What was the drawback of achieving fame?

(v) It took around 6 years for Rowlings to become very successful.

Q. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

India Covid-19 numbers explained

(f) Of the 19 lakh infected cases, how many have recovered?

(i) Which word in the passage means the same as “quickly”?

Q. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Australia’s 2019-2020 Bushfire Season was not Normal