CLASS IX

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

SUBJECT CODE -184
SESSON 2020-21

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, AGRA REGION

STUDENT SUPPORT MATERIAL

INDEX
S.NO TITLE PAG
. E NO.
READING
1 READING PASSAGES (Discursive and factual)

WRITING
2 Diary Entry (based on visual or verbal cue/s)
3 Story Writing
4 Descriptive Paragraph

GRAMMAR
5
TENSES
6
MODALS
7
SUBJECT-VERB CONCORD
8 REPORTED SPEECH
9 DETERMINERS
10 GRAMMAR EXERCISES- MCQs – FULL
SYLLABUS.
BEEHIVE
(PROSE)
11 1. The Fun They Had
12 2. The Sound of Music
13
3. The Little Girl
14
4. A Truly Beautiful Mind
15
6. My Childhood
16
7. Packing
17
8. Reach for the Top
18
9. The Bond of Love
19
11. If I Were You
(POETRY)
20 1. The Road Not Taken
21 2. Wind
22 3. Rain on the Roof
23
5. A Legend of Northland
24
6. No Men Are Foreign
25 8. On Killing a Tree
26 9. The Snake Trying
 MOMENTS
27 1. The Lost Child
28 2. The Adventures of Toto
29 4. In the Kingdom of Fools
30 5. The Happy Prince
31 6. Weathering Storm in Erasama
32 7. The Last Leaf
33 8. A House Is Not a Home
34 10. The Beggar
35 SAMPLE PAPERS
36 MODIFIED SYLLABUS
37 BLUE PRINT
DISCURSIVE PASSAGES

Q. Read the passages given below and answer any ten questions from each. 1x10=10marks

1. A spoiled child is an enraged child. Children become an enraged when their

deepest emotional needs get neglected. Most parent advocates argue that firm
limit setting and even punishment is the antidote to spoiling. This is untrue. It
only ignores the depth of the problem. The real antidote to spoiling is that
parents find ways to meet their children's needs. Children who get their deepest
needs met never become enraged and would never put up with being spoiled.
Such children have nothing to be enraged about. And yet, most parents lack
the capacity to meet their children's deepest needs. And figuring out how to
gain this capacity is simply too hard for most parents.
2. Gaining this capacity requires that parents enter realms within themselves that
are terribly painful: the realms of their own unresolved childhood needs which
lie dormant and spoilt off in their own unconsciousness. This depth of the
unconscious is so off- limits to most parents that it is even hard for them to
conceive that it might exist. But it does exist, and their raging child is an
externalised manifestation of it. Thus, the sooner the parents control their
child's rage the quicker they can return to their state of blissful denial of just
how disturbed they themselves are beneath the surface.
3. Healthier parents try to appease their children's rage through whatever
compensatory means they have at their disposal primarily through spoiling.
Less healthy parents simply try to kill their child's rage by burying it.
4. If it were easier for parents to have access to their own ancient, unresolved
anger, they would have worked on it. They would have gone within and
reflected on their own painful truth, blamed and even confronted the people
who were responsible for it, grieved, and ultimately healed through
integration. But when this does not happen it passes to their children and the
wounds never heal. Today we find many children get angry for small things.
The parents looked confused and don't know how to address this. Over a period
of time it gets out of control.
 1. When do children get enraged?
A. When they are spoiled
B. When their deepest needs get neglected
C. When they don't get the things that they ask for
D. When they get punishment

2. Arrange the following information in correct order as given in the passage.

A) The real antidote to spoiling is bad parents find way to their children's needs
B) Most parents left the capacity to meet their children's deepest needs
C) Most parent advocates argue that form limit setting and even punishment is
antidote to spoiling
D) Children who get their deepest needs met never become enraged

A. CABD
B. ACBD
C. CBAD
D. BCAD

3. What happens when childhood issues of parents are unresolved?

A. The wounds never heal
B. The issues pass on to their child
C. They themselves are left to deal with their anger issues
D. They remain confused

4. Who/What becomes the externalized manifestation of the childhood unresolved

issues?
A. The angry child
B. The angry parent
C. The pampered child
D. All of these

5. In which situation the children would not become enraged?

A. When parents spend more time with them
B. When parents provide more material things
C. When parents understand children's deepest emotional needs
D. When parents try to kill their child's range by burying them
A. B and D
B. A and C
C. Only C
D. B and C

6. According to most of the parents, what can cure the child spoiling?
A. Neglecting
B. Fulfilling child's need
C. Limit setting and punishment
D. Integration

7. ‘Gaining this capacity ……that are terribly painful. (para 2)’ What does ‘this
capacity’ refer to?
A. capacity to meet their children’s need
B. Capacity to manage child’s anger
C. Capacity to punish the child
D. Capacity to appease the child

8. Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage?
A. The angry child
B. Parents and their spoiled child
C. Parents role in managing child’s anger
D. An Enraged child

9. Find the word similar in meaning to "anything that helps you to deal with something
unpleasant". (Para1)
A. Enraged
B. Antidote
C. Spoiling
D. Advocate

10. Find the word similar in meaning to " to make somebody calm by agreeing to what
he wants". (Para 3)
A. Disposal
B. Burying
C. Compensatory
D. Appease

11. Give the antonym of "acknowledge" (para 1).

A. Ignore
B. Capacity
C. Advocate
D. Argue

12. Give the antonym of unhappy or upset (para 2)

A. Realm
B. Denial
C. Unconscious
D. Dormant

ANSWERS
1. When their deepest needs get neglected
2. C A B D
3. The issues pass on to their child
4. The angry child
5. Only C
6. Limit setting and punishment
7. capacity to meet their children’s need
8. Parents role in managing child’s anger
9. Antidote
10. Appease
11. Ignore
12. Dormant
 LIVING WITH FLOODS -1 Maximum Marks: 10

1. Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received
much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the
past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate
and certainly more timely, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by
which damage can be minimized. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting
from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
2. In the case of India flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The
monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume
of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that
join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of
the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these
streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living
near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to
moving away quickly.
3. One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of
climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on
precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the
Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of
monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration,
but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much
shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of
human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of
which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
4. At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting
of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage
through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes
and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and
hence spill over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With
siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. The vulnerability
of the population has increased substantially because of population pressures, symbolized, for
instance, by the stubborn and perhaps helpless settling of slum dwellers on the banks of the
 river Yamuna in Delhi, which is merely a trickle most of the year, but bursting its banks during
the monsoons as has been the case this year.
5. Flood forecasting is critical to minimizing the damage from floods. It is for this reason that
the Central Water Commission has set up a network of forecasting stations, which cover the
most important flood prone interstate rivers in the country. These stations produce forecasts
that are used to alert the public and to mobilize various official agencies so that they take both
preventive as well as relief measures whenever required. However, even in cases where
forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move
away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from
a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to
make, and often the time available for relief is very short.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY TEN question from the
twelve that follow. (1x10=10)

i. The problem of floods has been considered important recently because…………………..

(a) there are flash floods
(b) floods are unpredictable
(c) the rivers change their courses
(d) these cause much greater damage

ii. The danger of floods is not minimised as…………………..

(a) flood forecasting is inaccurate
(b) there is little time available for safety measures
(c) people are scared and act in panic
(d) support infrastructure is poor

iii. India suffers from floods during monsoons because…………………..

(a) it rains very heavily and continually
(b) the embankments of the rivers are weak
(c) the streams and rivers spill over
(d) the streams are full of silt
iv. Climate change is the direct result of…………………..
(a) increased concentration of greenhouse gases
(b) explosion of nuclear devices
(c) fire in oil wells in the gulf region
(d) significantly changed pattern of monsoons

v. The worst hit people are slum dwellers because…………………..

(a) they are stubborn and helpless
(b) they do not have means to move away quickly
(c) they have concentrated in large numbers
(d) they have settled on the banks of the rivers

vi. The word ‘precipitation’ in para 3 means…………………..

(a) forming a precipitate
(b) separation of solid material from liquid
(c) falling of rain in an area
(d) the quality of being exact or accurate

vii. Which human action has heightened the danger of flood?

1. cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains
2. construction of highways
3. construction of dams
4. setting up of industries
5. development of transportation system
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) (1) and (3)
(d) (4) and (5)

viii. The opposite of flood condition is

(a) monsoon condition
(b) drought condition
 (c) cloud burst
(d) snowfall

ix. which is the most prominent greenhouse gas

(a) hydrogen gas
(b) Ozone gas
(c) Carbon di oxide gas
(d) Nitrogen gas

x. Flash floods are the result of----------------------------------

(a) sudden and excessively heavy rainfall

(b) slow and incessant rainfall

(c) melting of snowfall
(d) none of the above

xi. Delhi is situated on banks of river-----------------------------

(a) Ganga

(b) Narmada
(c) Sutlej
(d) Yamuna

xii. To minimise the damage from floods, the Central Water Commission has-------------
(a) Constructed dams on rivers.
(b) Started an awareness drive
(c) Set up a network of forecasting stations
(d) None of the above
ANSWERS

LIVING WITH FLOODS

1. (d) these cause much greater damage

2. (b) there is little time available for safety measures
3. (c) the streams and rivers spill over
 4. (a) increased concentration of greenhouse gases
5. (d) they have settled on the banks of the rivers
6. (c) falling of rain in an area
7. (c) (1) and (3)
8. (b) drought conditions
9. (c) carbon di oxide gas
10. (a) sudden and excessively heavy rainfall
11. (d) Yamuna
12. (c) set up a network of forecasting stations

COFFEE—HEALTHY BODY AND MIND

(10 Marks)

1. The idea that coffee is bad for heart pops up periodically. It was found that regularly
drinking very strong coffee could sharply increase cholesterol levels. Researchers even isolated
fat like chemicals, cafestol and kahweol, responsible for the rise.

2. It turned out that the European brewing method—boiling water sits on the coffee grounds
for several minutes before straining – produces high concentrations of cafestol and kahweol. By
contrast, the filter and percolation methods remove all but a trace of these chemicals. Moreover,
the studies involved large amounts of coffee—five to six cups a day. Moderate coffee drinkers
down only two cups.

3. Research has also shown that regular, moderate coffee drinking does not dangerously raise
blood pressure. And studies have failed to substantiate fears that coffee might trigger abnormal
heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in healthy people.

4. “For heart disease, I think the issue is closed,” says Meir Stampfer, an epidemiologist at
Harvard who has studied many aspects of coffee and health. “Coffee drinking at reasonable levels
is unrelated to heart risk.”
5. Evidence suggests that coffee may help fend off Parkinson’s disease. A 30year study of
8000 Japanese-American men found that avid coffee drinkers had one fifth the risk of those who
didn’t drink the brew.

6. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, found indirect evidence that Caffeine-
the habit forming stimulant in coffee – may actually combat Parkinson’s disease. The caffeine
seemed to protect mice brain cells from depletion of the nerve chemical dopamine – the problem
underlying Parkinson’s disease in humans. However, these are preliminary findings; human
studies have- not consistently supported caffeine’s protective role.

7. The studies on coffee and cancer have focused on three organs – and are reassuring. You
may remember a brief coffee scare in the early 1980s when a single study linked coffee with
pancreatic cancer. A false alarm: Many studies since then have shown that the association is either
extremely weak or non-existent.

8. If there’s a connection between coffee and bladder cancer, it possibly applies just to coffee
junkies. A reanalysis of ten European studies found an increased risk only among people who
drank ten or more cups a day. And studies show that coffee seems to have no adverse influence
on the risk of colon cancer.

9. Caffeine is such a powerful stimulant that the International Olympic Committee and the
National Collegiate Athletic Association set limits on how much can remain in the blood during
competition. In addition to boosting physical endurance, caffeine increases alertness and improves
mood. The buzz may come at a price, though. People who drink more than they’re used to may
become restless and unable to sleep. Moreover, it’s possible to become physically dependent on
caffeine in days.

10. The question now arises: how much to drink? Those with heart burn and anxiety may want
to see if cutting back coffee improves their condition. For most people, however, there’s virtually
no risk in consuming up to three normal cups a day. Harvard’s Stampfer tries to keep his coffee
drinking irregular enough to avoid habituation: “That way, I can get a buzz when I feel like it.”

2.1 Answer any ten of the questions given below: (10x1=10m)

(a) Coffee increases……………………….of those people who regularly drink very strong
coffee.

I. Cholesterol
II. Tension
III. The amount of blood
IV. Fats
(b) In what respect does coffee harm human heart?

i Increases cholesterol levels

ii Coffee might trigger abnormal heart rhythms

iii Results in raised blood pressure

iv Does not harm the heart

(c) A person should not drink coffee……………………….

I. Less than 10 cups a day

II. More than ten cups a day
III. More than three cups a day
IV. None of the above

(d) It has been proved that coffee does not have any
adverse effect on the risk of……………………….
I Colon cancer

II diabetes

III lung cancer

IV none of the above

(e)Caffeine boosts
(i) physical endurance
(ii) Mental endurance
(iii) Positive feelings
(iv) None of these

(f) What problem causes Parkinson’s disease?

(i) Depletion of dopamine in nerve cells ii
(ii) Pancreatic cancer iii
(iii) Making coffee drinking a habit

(iv) Bladder cancer

(g) Which type of cancer is not listed in the passage above?

I. Pancreatic cancer
II. Bladder cancer
III. Colon cancer
IV. Lung cancer

(h) What are the positive effects of Caffeine?

(i) Boosts endurance, helps get proper sleep and improves mood

(ii) fights cancer, increases alertness and improves mood

(iii) Makes one healthy, increases alertness and improves mood

(iv) Boosts endurance, increases alertness and improves mood

(i) Find a word from the passage, similar in meaning to: separated (Para 1)
(i) Cafestol
(ii) Kahweol
(iii) Isolated
(iv) Pops

(j) Find a word from the passage, similar in meaning to: drug that increases physical or mental
activity and alertness (Para 6)

(i) Hospital

(ii) Drug

(iii) Combat
(iv) Stimulant
(k) Find the antonym of really (para 10)

i Buzz

ii Virtually

iii Anxiety

iv Habituation
(10x1=10m)
(a) (i) cholesterol

(b) (iv) does not harm the heart

(c) (iii) more than three cups a day

(d) (i) colon cancer

(e) (i) physical endurance
(f) (i) Depletion of dopamine in nerve cells

(g) (iv) lung cancer

(h) (iv) boosts endurance, increases alertness and improves mood
(i) (iii) isolated

(j) (iv) stimulant

(k) (ii) virtually

FLOATING POST-OFFICE

Maximum Marks(10 Marks)

1. Tourists to Jammu and Kashmir have another attraction – a floating post office on the Dal Lake in Srinagar,
the first in country.’ Floating Post Office, Dal Lake’-claimed to be the only one such post office in the world
is built on an intricately carved maroon houseboat, fastened on the western edge of Dal lake.

2. This post office lets you avail of all the regular postal services available in the country while being afloat.
The seal used on everything posted from floating post office is unique- along with the date and address, it
bears the design of a boatman rowing a Shikara on the Dal lake. The special feature of this post office is that
letters posted from here carry a special design which has the picturesque scenery of Dal Lake and Srinagar
city. These pictures reach wherever these letters are posted to and hence promote Kashmir as a tourist
destination across the world.

3. This is actually a heritage post office that has existed since British times. It was called Nehru park post
office before 2011.But then the chief post master John Samuel renamed it as ‘’floating post office’’.

The post office’s boat has two small rooms – one serves as the office and another a small museum that traces
the philatelic history of the state postal department. It has a shop that sells postal stamps and other products.
4. But for the locals, floating post office is more than an object of fascination. 1-2 crore is deposited per month
in floating post office by communities living in and around the Dal Lake. The lake has several islets that are
home to more than 50,000 people.

5. The greatest fear is the recurrence of 2014 like floods in which the houseboat had gone for a toss
uncontrollably pushed by the flood .Rescue teams had to anchor it using the special mechanism in a nearby
highland. Then it was brought back on the Dal after the water receded. The biggest boon is that at no time of
the year do you need a fan in this post-office.

1. What is the location of the floating post office in Srinagar?

a. On Dal lake
b. Near centaur
c. On Pari mahal
d. Near post office
2. What is the special about the seal used in the post office?
a. Design of a houseboat on dal lake
b. Design of a boatman rowing a shikara on the dal lake
c. Design of a chinar tree on the dal lake
d. Design of a tourist on the dal lake
3. Who renamed the post office as ‘Floating Post Office’?
a. Postmaster
b. Postman
c. Delivery agent
d. Chief Postmaster
4. What is the greatest fear that the post office has?
a. Snow
b. Earthquakes
c. Floods
d. Tsunami
5. How is the Post office is a big boon to the people?
a. You do not need fun
b. You need water
c. You need air conditioning
d. You do not need heater
6. The flood came in the Kashmir valley?
a. 2014
b. 2015
 c. 2013
d. 2011
7. The Chief Postmaster …………………………………renamed Nehru Park Post Office as Floating
post office?
8. a. John Sammy
b. John Samuel
c. Samuel Sammy
d. Daniel Samuel
9. In para 1 the synonyms of word ‘attraction’.
a. Beauty
b. Repulsive
c. Float
d. Intricate
10. In Para 4, the synonyms of word ‘Floating’?
a. Settled
b. Fixed
c. Afloat
d. Wind up
11. In Para2, the antonyms of word ‘ unique’:
a. Rare
b. Particular
c. Distinctive
d. Ordinary
12. The lake has several islets that are home to more than …………….people. a. 10,000
b. 50,000
c. 55,000
d. 40,000
13. …………………………..Post office known as Floating Post office before 2011. a. John
Samuel
b. Dal lake
c. Nehru Park
d. Maroon
 ANSWERS

1-(A) On Dal Lake

2-(B) design of a boatman rowing a shikara on the Dal Lake

3-(D) Chief Postmaster

4-(C) Floods

5-(A) you do not need a fan

6-(A) 2014

7-(B) John Samuel

8-(A) beauty

9(C) afloat

10-(D) ordinary

11(B) 50,000

12© Nehru Par

MAGIC MACHINE
(10MARKS)
1. Mohammed Jamshed Khan replaced the ATM card in his wallet and counted the crisp new notes he’d
just withdrawn from the machine. Rs 6000? “This can’t be right!” thought the young Mumbai civil
contractor. He counted again. It was indeed 6000. “All I’d asked for was 1200,” Khan told his friend
Faisal Mukhi who was standing nearby.

2. “You pressed the wrong buttons, silly,” said Mukhi.

3. “No way!” exclaimed Khan as he pushed his card back in again, keyed in his numeric password and
asked for Rs1000. Beep, click…………….whirr, beeeep ! Out popped Rs 5000 and a little transaction
slip that read. Withdrawal Rs 1000.

4. “Let’s try again,” said Khan. Card, password, 2-0-0-0……….beeeep! But he got Rs 10,000. By now it
seemed certain that the ATM was giving away 500rupee notes instead of hundreds. “May be
something’s wrong with your card,” Mukhi told Khan, “let me try mine.” Mukhi’s balance was low—
only Rs 1300. He pushed his card in and asked for Rs 1000. The machine spat out 5000.

5. “ATMs (short for automated teller machines) are extremely secure and among the hardest of machines.
Look up the Encyclopedia Britannica for “ATMs” and you’ll find it entered under “Locks”—it’s
 virtually impossible to fool an ATM. And the probability of an ATM overpaying is virtually nil. But
here they were, two buddies with Rs 26000 between them— Rs 20,800 of it free money.

6. There were no other customers in sight on that warm July afternoon. And they could have kept on going.
Instead, Khan and Mukhi went outside the ATM’s enclosure and summoned the guard on duty. “The
machine’s all mixed up,” they told him. The two men then gave the guard a demo: “Look here,” said
Khan as he inserted his card one last time and hit the buttons, “I’m withdrawing Rs 500 but here’s 2500!

7. “Don’t let anybody near this place,” they told the guard as they hopped into an auto rickshaw and sped
off with all the money. It looked like a daylight robbery—in reverse. For they drove two kilometers, to
the nearest branch of the bank that owned the ATM, placed the cash-Rs 28,500 on the bank manager’s
desk and complained about their faulty machine.

8. ‘We could have lost a real lot that day,” says the manager. This is the kind of honesty we can only
dream about. A human error made while loading cash in the ATM had caused the problem. Although
we could have traced the customers, it might have meant a lot of trouble for us, had they kept our
money.”

9. But did either Mohammed Khan or Faisal Mukhi ever think of keeping the money during their moment
with the magic machine? “Not once,” says Khan. Adds Mukhi:
“Never.”

1.1 Answer any ten of the questions given below: (10x1=10m)

(a) The theme of the passage is…………………….
(i) dishonesty (ii) loyalty (iii) honesty (iv) sincerity

(b) The passage proves that machines……………………..

(i) do not make mistakes (ii) never make mistakes
(iii) do make mistakes (iv) all of the above

Why was Mohammed Jamshed Khan surprised? i (i) He had asked for Rs1200, but the ATM machine
gave him Rs 6000 ii (ii) He had asked for Rs600, but the ATM machine gave
him Rs12000 iii (iii) He had asked for Rs12000, but the ATM machine gave
him Rs6000 iv (iv) He had asked for Rs1600, but the ATM machine gave
him Rs2000

(c) What is the full form of ATM? (i) Any Time Money (ii) Automated Teller Machine (iii)
Automatic Timely Money
(iv) None of the above

(e) What did the two friends ask the guard to do?

(i) not to allow anybody to use the ATM (ii) forward

a complaint about it
(iii) check the working condition of his gun (iv) lock the ATM

(f) Khan and Mukhi went outside the ATM’s enclosure and summoned the guard on duty to inform him
about the 3 i (i) strange behavior of the ATM ii (ii) shortage of notes in the ATM machine
iii (iii) suspicious man standing outside the ATM enclosure (iv) none of these
(g) The manager says that “This is the kind of honesty we can only dream about”
because……………………..

i (i) most of the people are corrupt ii

(ii) man is greedy by nature iii (iii) riches
attract people (iv) all of the above

(h) What was wrong with the ATM machine?

(i) It was giving away 500-rupee notes instead of hundreds
(ii) It was giving away 100-rupee notes instead of five hundreds

(iii) It was not giving out any money

(iv) Its balance was low- only Rs1300

(i) Find a word from the passage similar in meaning to: slightly stiff (para 1) i (i) Civil ii
(ii) Standing iii (iii) Crisp iv (iv) Khan

(j) Find a word from the passage similar in meaning to: measure of likelihood of an event (para
5) i (i) Extremely ii (ii) Virtually iii (iii) Probability
iv (iv) None of these

(k) Find a word from the passage opposite in meaning to: depositing (para 6) i (i) Withdrawing ii
(ii) Enclosure iii (iii) Summoned
iv (iv) Demo

UNSEEN PASSAGE- 4.

MAGIC MACHINE

(10x1=10m)

(a) (iii) honesty

(b) (i) do not make mistakes

(c) (i) He had asked for Rs1200, but the ATM machine gave him Rs. 6000

(d) (ii) Automated Teller Machine

(e) (i) not to allow anybody to use the ATM

(f) (i) strange behaviour of ATM

(g) (iv) all of the above

(h) (i) It was giving away 500-rupee notes instead of hundreds

(i) (iii) crisp

(j) (iii) probability

(k) (i) withdrawing

READING PASSAGE (Factual)

1. Read the passages given below and answer any 10 out of 12 questions that follow:
(Marks 10)
In the 16th century, when Golconda was the capital of the Qutb Shahi Kingdom, it is believed
that a shepherd boy came across an idol on the hill. It was then that the Kakatiya dynasty’s
ruler built this fort. The fort is 120 m high. After it was captured by Aurangzeb, the Mughal
emperor, the fort fell into ruins. The beautiful ruins of the fort have a story to tell. They make
you wonder how the fort may have looked in its days of glory and grandeur. The fort also
hosts a sound and light show every day, and the history of this fort is narrated in such an
interesting manner that even a child can understand and enjoy it.
The next place to visit is the Charminar. The literal meaning of this monument is ‘four
minarets’ is a mosque on the second floor. It is said that when the state was engulfed by the
plague, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, prayed
to end the plague and promised to build a mosque in the very place where he was praying.
Thus, Charminar came into being. The walk from the bottom to the top of the monument is a
little spooky, owing to the narrowness of the pathway and the steepness of the steps. Make
sure you visit the nearby Laad Bazaar, where there are rows of shops selling the famous
Hyderabadi glass bangles and lac bangles.
The salar Jung Museum is the third largest museum in the country and boasts of owning the
biggest one-man collection of antique in the world.
A visit to the Salar Jung Museum is a must, even if you are not a fan of antique stuff. You can
view the Nizam’s collection of textiles, arms, metal ware, ivory carvings, Indian bronzes and
carpets. The main attraction is definitely the Musical Clock, made by Cooke and Kelvy of
England. Inside the clock is a timekeeper. Every hour, he comes out and beats a gong as many
times as the time indicates. Another attraction at the museum is the Veiled Rebecca, an
amazing sculpture made by the Italian sculptor, Giovanni Maria Benzoni.
1. Golconda was the capital of the Qutub Shahi kingdom in the.
a. 15th century
b. 16th century
 c. 17th century
d. 14th century
2. The main attraction in the Salar Jung Museum is.
a. metal ware
b. collection of carpets
c. musical clock
d. ivory carvings
3. …………..ruler decided to build a fort on the hill.
a. Kakatiya
b. Aurangzeb
c. Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
d. Maria Benzoni
4. The Mughul ruler………….attacked and captured the fort which led to its ruin.
a. Akbar
b. Aurangzeb
c. Babur
d. Sultan Muhammad Quli Quth Shah
5. Laad Bazaar is in…………….
a. Golconda
b. Salar Jung Museum
c. Charminar
d. Lal Qila
6. Height of Golconda fort is:
a. 140 m
b. 120m
c. 150m
d. 160m
7. The………….is the third largest museum in the country.
a. Salar Jung Museum
b. Golconda
c. Charminar
d. Lal Qila
8. The main attraction is definitely the Musical Clock, made by…………
a. Kakatiya dynasty’s ruler
b. Quth Shah dynasty
c. Kelvy of England
 d. Nizam
9. Antonyms of word ruins is:
a. Destroy
b. Spoil
c. Wreck
d. Rebuild
10. Synonyms of word glory is:
a. Fame
b. Grandeur
c. Opulence
d. Shame
11. Antonyms of word attraction is:
a. repulsion
b. charm
c. glamour
d. allure
12. The literal meaning of Charminar:
a. Char Minaret
b. Charminar
c. Four minaret
d. Four minar

Q1. 7.a)
1. b) 8.c)
2. c) 9. d)
3. a) 10.d)
4. a) 11.a)
5.c) 12.c)
6.b)

Q2. Read the passage given below and answer any 10 out of 12 questions that follow? (Marks 10)

1. I have always held the belief that rationale or logic has no place in faith. If you have faith in the
Supreme then you must also accept that you are not out there to defend your faith based on any
scientific evidence. Those who don’t share your belief have an equal right to their opinion. What
matters is your personal stand. If you feel peaceful and joyous, if you feel inspired to do good deeds
by having your faith, and then by all means keep it, there’s no reason to abandon it.

2. Einstein once got a letter asking if he believed in the Supreme. Einstein sent a telegram in response
stating, “I believe in Spinoza‟s idea of the Supreme who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of
what exists, not in someone who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings.” In
case you are not familiar, Baruch Spinoza (1632 – 1677) was a Dutch philosopher (yes, not just
brilliant engineers, they have philosophers too). An unorthodox and independent thinker, his views
were revolutionary at the time. His philosophy is thought-provoking. So, where does that leave us in
regards to faith?

3. To me, faith is a sentiment, it's an emotion. Just like you fall in love and you surrender in love and
you find yourself willing to do anything for the person you love, same is with faith. Faith is love.
When you have faith, you let go off your worries of the future, you let go of your guilt of the past,
because you have surrendered to the divine will. You remain committed to a life of goodness and
action. But, you also recognize that there are other bigger forces, of immense scale, in play in the
grand scheme of things and it'll do you much good to play along.

4. Accepting the transient nature of this world, and its eternal impermanence, is the definitive path to
inner peace. Either live in complete surrender or exercise total control. If your boat is neither anchored
nor guided, it’ll just drift then. It’ll drift in the direction of your thoughts, desires and emotions. Here
today, there tomorrow.

5. Cosmic intelligence is infinitely more subtle, smart, organized and selfless than individual
intelligence. Anchor your ship if you are tired of rowing. Have faith.
1. What is 'having faith' as per the author?

a) Believing in a particular religion

b) Being yourself

c) Hope for the best.

d) Procrastination

2. What did Einstein believe in?

a) Christianity

b) Having faith is sentimental

c) Being faithful is an individualistic aspect.

d) Both B and C

3. The attached graph highlights which trend seen in the present scenario?

a) Young people frequently forget their religion

b) Young people are more faithful about technology

c) Young people are more logical and sensible

d) Both B and C

4. "Anchor your ship, if you are tired of rowing it." The above expression is written in which tone?

a) Suggestive

b) Anxious

c) Hostile

d) Pleasing
5. Identify the correct usage of the word 'transient'

a) His happiness was transient for it went all wrong.

b) He was transient because he was tired.

c) The sun is a transient star.

d) That 102 years old woman is leading a transient life.

6. Arrange the increasing order in which young people are most hopeful about these.

a) Technology, education, Peace, Democracy, faith

b) Democracy, faith, education, peace, technology

c) Faith, democracy, peace, education, Technology

d) Can't say.

7. Identify the wrong statement.

a) Faith is being hopeful about every situation

b) Faith is what makes us think about technology

c) Logic must move faith

d) Logic is a faith itself.

8. What percent of people are hopeful in Africa?

a) 50-60 %

b) 10-20 %

c) 60-80 %

d) 82 %
9. Prachi goes to temple every morning and on every second Sunday of the month, she donates a sum
to the temple for its maintenance. Whenever she meets a difficulty, she closes her eyes and pray to
god to save her from the same. Choose the correct statement in this reference.

a) Prachi is faithful because she is religious

b) Prachi is religious but not faithful

c) Prachi is faithful but not religious

d) Prachi is both faithful and religious.

10. What does the cartoon here refers to?

a) Faith can move mountains

b) Faith is eternal

c) Intelligence and logic always win over faith.

d) All of the above

11. According to the graph, which of the following is highlighted the least hopeful?

a) North America

b) Asia
c) Europe

d) Australasia

12. Find out a word from para 3 which mean the same as ‘handover’?

a) Eternal

b) Confinement

c) Distrust

d) Surrender

Marking Scheme

Q2. ~

1. c)

2. d)

3. d)

4. a)

5. a)

6. c)

7. c)

8. c)

9.d)

10. a)

11.c)

12.d)

Read the passage given below and answer any 10 out of 12 questions that follow.
 (10 Marks)

1. Our beautiful ecosystem is being systematically damaged by industrial pollution channeled

into rivers like the Ganga and the Yamuna, nuclear wastes from atomic plants routed into
the world’s oceans, and poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide mixed with the
ozonosphere. Besides, tropical rain- forests and green pastures are disappearing under the
pressure of a proliferating population. Dams are being built over the rivers like the Narmada
to change nature’s well-balanced surface equations between flora and fauna, and slopping
mountains terrain is being converted into mini oceans to supply electricity to the ever
starving industrial stomach of our age. Elephants, tigers, the wild rhinos of South Africa and
many other forest creatures have become endangered species.
2. Consumerism has created a garbage glut in the world. Consumers in industrialized countries
throw out staggering amounts of refuge like cartons, butts of cigarettes, polythene bags and
plastic containers which mix with the waters of rivers and oceans and fertile crop-yielding
soil of the earth. It is estimated that each customer throws out nearly 1.5 kilogram of refuse
each day, and most of it pollutes the water he drinks and the air he breathes. Americans
alone toss out 160 million tonnes each year, which is enough to cover a thousand acres of
land with mountains of garbage.
3. On the land mass, Eco destroying monsters are deforestation, dams constructed to generate
electricity and serve irrigational facilities, and soot and toxic gases, creating the greenhouse
effect. Some American environmentalists like Jeremy Refkin blame the world’s population
of cattle for most of the ecological ills. These creatures whom we feed and fatten to get their
meat, spoil streams and underground aquifers. Tropical rain -forests are turning into
pastures for these gluttonous herds. In Saharan Africa, the burgeoning population of cattle is
denuding arid lands of fertile vegetation. In the Netherlands, the population of pigs poses a
major ecological threat. Their manure defiles water supply with excessive nitrates and
acidifies local soils.
4. Building dams over rivers is like clotting the blood of nature and stopping its pulse beat.
Scientists have proved that dams and embankments cause more floods and do more harm
than good. Flooding is a boon of nature. It cleanses and renews river basins, expands feeing
and breeding grounds of plants, fish, birds and wildlife, and spread fresh layers of fertile silt
from which we get bumper crops. Philip Williams, President of the International Rivers
Network says, “We are recognizing water quality and assisting in protection of the
ecosystem.” Governments must not allow construction contractors who are largely
responsible for man-made floods to plunder the timber wealth of forests.
Answer the questions given below on the basis of your understanding of the passage and the
information given in the chart.

(i) In the very first sentence of the passage, the author refers to three types of pollution.
What are they?
1. Air pollution
2. Water pollution
3. Radioactive pollution
4. Light pollution
5. Soil pollution
a.) 1, 2 and 3
b.) 2, 3 and 5
c.) 2, 4 and 5
d.) 1, 3 and 5

(ii) The passage suggests that tropical rainforest and grasslands are in danger. The reason is
....
a.) An increase in the industrial plants
b.) Disappearance of wildlife
 c.) Rapid growth of human population
d.) None of these

(iii) “Elephants, tigers, the wild rhinos of South Africa and many other forest creatures have
become endangered species.” This sentence throws light on the problems created by . . .
.
a.) Poaching of wild animals
b.) Explosion of human population
c.) Construction of big dams
d.) Disappearance of green forests

(iv) People, such as shown in this picture, are responsible for . . . . .

a.) The boost in the economy
b.) The strengthening of our eco system
c.) Their contribution to air, soil and water pollution
d.) None of the above

(v) Which word from the first paragraph means the same as ‘defaced’?
a.) Damaged
b.) Disappeared
c.) Built
d.) Endangered
(vi) Functioning of which human body parts has been compared to the building of dams and
their effects on ecosystem?
a.) Brain
b.) Heart
c.) Liver
d.) Lungs

(vii) According to Jeremy Rifkin, which of these animals are dangerous for our ecosystem?

1 2 3

4
a.) 1 and 2
b.) 1 and 3
c.) 2 and 4
d.) 3 and 4

(viii) Which word in the third paragraph means a layer of rocks or soil that can take in and
hold water?
a.) Dam
b.) Stream
c.) Aquifer
d.) Mass
(ix) On the basis of the analysis of the given pie chart, which of the following suggestions is
inappropriate?
a.) The use of pesticides in farming should be stopped.
b.) Sewage treatment plants are the need of the hour.
c.) Aeroplane should be used for international transportation.
d.) Water tourism should be encouraged.

(x) Which word in the last paragraph is the opposite of ‘soil’?

a.) Clot
b.) Flood
c.) Cleanse
d.) Renew
(xi) Carbon dioxide is primarily called a greenhouse gas because it . . . . .
a.) Traps light
b.) Traps heat
c.) Traps warm currents
d.) None of the above
(xii) Read the sentences given below and answer in reference to the passage given.
1. Flooding is a boon of nature.
2. Every year many lives are lost and properties are destroyed due to flood in different
part of the world.
a.) Sentence 1 and 2 agree
b.) Sentence 1 and 2 disagree
c.) Both sentences are correlated
d.) Can’t say

End

ANSWERS
i-a ii - c iii - c iv - c V-a vi – b

Vii - a Viii - c ix - d X-c Xi - b Xii – b

DIARY WRITING 5 Marks

Word limit: 100 -120 words

PURPOSE

Diary is a kind of personal document. A diary writing can be based on an experience, a

scene, a description or narration of certain event or any other thing or activity that the writer
considers worth writing in his personal diary.

Important points

1. DAY, DATE AND TIME are three essential components of a diary entry. (Top left side)

Monday 20th DEC, 2020

8:00 pm

2. Writing Dear Diary is not at all needed or necessary. Anne Frank used to write Dear
Diary because she was lonesome and the diary was her sole companion. Students may write
the diary without using the phrase Dear Diary.

3. Write your name (only the first name) at the end of your diary entry.

4. Begin the entry with a general sentence describing the day or momentary feelings.

5. Conclude with final remark and future course of action.

6. You can evolve your own suitable style depending on the topic of your writing.

7.It demands creativity and imagination. The writer is supposed to write as it has been a real
experience.

8.Diary should be written in First Person.

9.Tense most frequently used --- SIMPLE PAST ,PRESENT PERFECT AND FUTURE.

10. The tone is generally informal and personal. Students can express their view points and
feelings.

EXAMPLES:

Today you happened to visit the market where you saw an old building that used to be
your primary school. Now the school has been moved to another place. Write your
feelings in your diary in about 100 - 120 words.
 HINTS:

Went to market with mother--Saw an old building in the market -- Mother said it was my
former school -- I felt a bit emotional.

ANS.

5th February 2020

Monday
10:30 pm

Being a Sunday I got up a bit late and went around to play for some time. Then my mother
asked me if I wanted to go with her to market. I had not visited the place so far. As we
reached the market by an auto, I found it was very crowded and people were displaying their
materials for sale. Mummy and I went into the market and started buying things. I saw an
old building in a dilapidated condition and asked mummy what the building was. She said"
It used to be a primary school and you studied here for one year in your class I and the
school was shifted to the place where it is now." I looked at the building and it looked half
broken. I started thinking about the time I was in the school. Though I was not able to
remember clearly my days in the school. I felt a bit emotional and I kept looking at the
school for long. I will share this with my friends in school tomorrow.

Amit

You are Ritika/Rohit of class IX-B. You went to attend the birthday party of your friends
Mohit at his home. The party was well organised and the arrangement were superb. Look at
the clues given in the box and write your impression of the party in the form of a dairy entry
in 100-120 words.

HINTS

● Party at home
● Music playing in party hall
● Cake on Mohit’s face
● Enjoyed good feast

Sunday,17th Oct, 20XX

10:30 PM
What a grand celebration it was! How we all enjoyed Mohit’s birthday today! When I went
to his house, music was playing in the party hall. Mohit and his parents were extremely
happy to see me! Many of our common friends had already arrived. How happy everyone
appeared! What a dazzling outfit Mohit was wearing! Mohit’s father bought him a lovely
cake which had his childhood picture on it. One of my friend and I splashed cake on
Mohit’s face and had a joyful time.

We all wished him “Happy Birthday” when he cut the cake. The stage was then set for
dancing. Everyone present swayed to the magic of music and all of us danced with Mohit.
After this, we all enjoyed a good feast. I can never forget this great day! It was on the most
thrilling day in my life.

Ritika/Rohit

You are Alka/Anand of army public school, new Delhi. You were one of the
participants in the' run for unity race' that was organised in New Delhi recently.
Taking help from the input given below make a diary entry describing your experience
of participating in such a historic event that was flagged off by the Prime Minister
himself.

Hints:

new regime comes with new thoughts and ideas-- Modi known for his drive and dynamism-
-Sardar Patel rediscovered--highest statue of the world--Patel's Birthday celebrated in grand
style--a mini marathon “run for unity” organised in New Delhi--PM flagged off--thousands
participated--Bollywood actors, industrialists, sportspersons

New Delhi

12 November 20 xx

Wednesday, 7 pm

Ideas and ideals change with the change of persons and governments. The new Prime
Minister of India, Narendra Modi is known for his dash, drive and dynamism. Whatever he
does, he does it in style. Sardar Patel, the iron man of India, was the man responsible for
uniting all the princely states of India into a single nation- the union of India Patel and his
importance seems to have been rediscovered Sardar Patel’s birthday had been given a
symbolic significance highlighting his contribution to the unity of India, the government
organised a mini marathon ' run for unity’ on Patel’s birthday. Thousands of people
assembled on the Vijay chowk. The crowd included a galaxy of bollywood stars,
industrialists, students, ministers and men of letters the prime minister himself flagged off
the race. I was one of the lucky persons who participated in the historic event. I was in my
light blue track suit and in sports shoes. The sight aroused patriotic feelings in me. I could
see people from all walks of life running for the unity and integrity of India. I really felt
proud to be a part of this historical national event.

Alka
 SUPPORT MATERIAL FOR CLASS 9

(DIARY ENTRY)

• Question 1:
You are Sunil/Soni, You recently visited the 24th Crafts Mela at Suraj Kund, Rajasthan. It
was Mini India assembled at one place. Using the hints, make a diary entry of what you saw
and experienced there.
Hints: • More than 20 states of India represented • Rajasthan—the theme state •
Participation of foreign countries • cultural programmes, dances at ‘Chaupal’ and
‘Rangmanch’ • Food courts catering all kinds of foods • arts and handicrafts
from the awarded artisans.

• Answer:

Monday
18th December 20XX

9:00 pm

• Dear Diary,
I recently visited the 24th Crafts Mela at Suraj Kund, Rajasthan. It was much more
impressive and grand than what I had imagined. This year the ‘Theme State’ was Rajasthan.
The whole campus was painted with the visuals of Ranthambore, Chittor, Jodhpur and
Jaisalmer. It was Mini India assembled on a few hundred acres of land. All the awarded
artisans from different states had set up their workshops and stalls there. Many countries,
more particularly Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan gave it an international look. Bangles,
jewellery decoration pieces, wall-hangings, purses, shoes, sarees, garments and cosmetics
found thousands of buyers. Every evening there were cultural shows at the ‘Chaupal’ and
the ‘Rangmanch’. The ‘Food Court’ provided all kinds of delicacies for food-lovers.
Basically, it was India in all its colours, tastes and sounds scattered on the Aravalli hills.
Sunil/Soni
DIARY ENTRY

Some of the essential characteristics of a diary are:

● It should be written in chronological order.

● The day, date, place, and time of entry in the diary should be included.
● A suitable descriptive heading or some hints about the topic written about may be included.
 ● The main body of the diary should’be written in a comprehensive manner giving a precise
yet complete description of an event, a place, or a person.
● It should express the writer’s point of view and lay stress on feelings and emotions rather
than on the event itself.
● It should be personalised and written in the first person and maybe in the past tense.
● The writing should be informative as it is a spontaneous piece of writing.
● A signature at the end of the day’s diary entry can be given to authenticate it, and for future
reference.

Format:
Top left – Date, day and time.

Tense most frequently used – Simple past, Present perfect and future.

Written in the first person.

Q.You are going on a school picnic with your classmates and teachers. You are very excited. The
night before the trip you sit down to write your diary. Describe what you have planned for the
picnic and how you hope to enjoy yourself there. You are Ramesh. Write your diary in 100-150
words. 5 Marks

Friday, 14 October 20XX

9 P.M

“A School Picnic”

Dear Diary

I am very excited tonight. I am going on a picnic tomorrow with my classmates. Some of our
teachers will also accompany us. We have been planning for this trip ever since our Principal gave
us permission a month ago.

We are going to Lodhi Park. It has a large ground where children can run and play freely. My
mother has made a dozen sandwiches and a cake for me. My friends will also be bringing some
food, and we shall all share, eat and play. For me, it’s like a dream come true as I had been longing
to visit the park for a long. I am so much looking forward to it.
I feel I just cannot go to sleep tonight. I keep imagining all the fun that we ar& going to have
tomorrow. But my mother warned me that if I do not go to sleep now, I might fall asleep at the
picnic.

So, good night!

Ramesh

STORY WRITING MARKS. : 05

What is story writing?

Story Writing - A story writing is a work of “fiction or imagination” that is usually written in “easily
understandable grammatical structure” with “natural flow of speech”. Story writing is meant to be read at a
single sitting and therefore it should be as direct and brief as possible.

Typically story writing has five key elements – Character (fewer is better), Setting (brief but poetic and
vivid), Plot (as simple and interesting as possible), Conflict (intense but one), and Theme (relating to
majority of readers).

A character is someone or something that takes part in actions depicted in the short story. It could be a living
person, a dead person, a ghost, an imaginary character, a robot, a dog, a toy… unlimited list.

The golden rule for selecting characters in story writing is “Fewer is better”. A story writing would
more effectively convey its meaning if it has very few characters – one protagonist, one other main
character, and no supporting or side characters would be ideal.

The animating character with perfect adjectives and examples are a must however, typically while
writing short stories, do not fall overdo the characterization.

Time frame and place constitute setting of story writing. The setting is often decorated with
descriptions of scenes such as super market, bedroom, crowded metro train, or drizzling evening…
again unlimited list. These descriptions are very important to make reader immerse in the plot.

Unit of time frame may vary from hours to days to weeks to years. The golden rule in selecting
time frame for story writing is “keep it shorter” and “have it single”. Story writing that has setting
of few hours may typically be clearer and more effective than with setting of few months or years.
vividly describe surroundings. must be absolutely clear and very importantly be appealing to five
senses of your readers. Be poetic, use suitable adjectives, script dialogues, or even deploy side
characters… do whatever you need to ensure that the reader live your story while reading.

Plot is flesh and muscles of story writing. It comprises events and characters’ actions. More
creatively you describe and logically connect the events and actions, stronger the plot would be;
and stronger the plot you create, better interest would it generate among readers. A plot has start,
body and end that are linked sequentially by events and character actions.

You must so choose a start that your reader gets hooked to the story. create confusion or question in
readers’ mind by first line of your story. Your reader must try to get answer from best of her ability
and experience but she should finally end up digging into subsequent lines of your stories to quench
her temporarily aroused inquisitiveness.

Central idea or main belief presented by a story writing is called theme. It is skeleton or frame of
your short story that is decorated by plot, setting, conflict and characters.

SALIENT FEATURES OF A GOOD STORY

1. Basically, developing and writing a good story needs the art of narration. You have to narrate the
incidents in a sequential order leading to the final conclusion.
2. Students should follow the basic theme as expounded by the input or by the introductory lines. They
are not supposed to invent new and different themes.
3. Within the given limits, students are left with enough space where they can give expression to their
creative talents.
4. The beginning and the concluding lines must support the main part or the events described in the
story.

* As per the CBSE syllabus, you are required to write a story in about 150-200 words.

The five key elements (or stages) of a Story Writing are as follows-

1. Character
2. Setting
3. Plot
4. Conflict
5. Theme

As story writing involves creative writing skills, please follow the below mentioned points to write a good
story -
 1. The narrative should be in I or II or III person.
2. Setting of the story should be made.
3. Time, location, context and atmosphere should be described to create imagery.
4. Meaningful dialogues to be used. Dialogues should have expressions.
5. Characterization - identify 2 - 3 main characters and a few side characters in the story.
6. Plot of the story should be interesting but short because the word limit should not be exceeded. It can
include the following -
● What happens
● Story line
● Action
● Flashback
● Climax
● Conflict
● Resolving a conflict
● Create conflict and tension
● Opposition between characters and their internal or external conditions
● Balance b/w opposing forces of the conflict
● Mystery
● Empowerment
● Surprise
● Empathy
● Crisis or climax
● Turning point of the story
● Resolution or solution to the conflict
● Open type- reader’s view
● Resolved – clear cut outcome
● Parallel to beginning- same as the starting of the story
● Monologue / dialogue of the characters
● Closing image

Solved examples of short story writing

1. Write a short story in 150-200 words, with the help of the cues given below. Give a suitable
title to the
Going to Mumbai by train to attend the marriage of a friend ..... got stuck in a traffic jam .....
reached the railway station late ..... boarded a wrong train ..... realised after two hours .....
now you ... ... ...
A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
I sat down with relief as I ticked off the last task in the checklist. I wanted everything to be perfect
as it was my best friend’s marriage in Mumbai. The alarm rang next morning, I woke up in
excitement and booked a cab to the railway station. Everything was going perfectly until I got stuck
in a traffic jam. I reached the railway station late but on the sight of the train still waiting on the
platform, I hurried and somehow managed to get into the train. I breathed a sigh of relief and got
comfortable. It was only when the Ticket Collector came, I realised that I had been in the wrong
train for two hours. I panicked and deboarded the train at the next station. I tried booking a ticket
for the next train to Mumbai but there was no availability. On coming back from the ticket counter,
I realised that my luggage was missing. Even after hours of finding and reporting it, there was
no trace of it. I got tired and lost hope, tried booking a cab with the minimal amount I was left with
in my pocket. The cab couldn’t reach on time as it was raining heavily. Disheartened, I finally
walked my way to the nearest hotel, contacted my parents and recited them the series of unfortunate
events that happened during the day. Alas, I couldn’t even make it to my best friend’s wedding.

2. Write a short story in 150-200 words, with the help of the cues given below. Give a suitable
title to the story.

Satish was standing on the balcony watching the last rays of the Sun. Loud and angry voices
in the street below distracted his attention. He ran down the stairs to see what had happened
... … …
THE LAST DAY
Satish was standing on the balcony watching the last rays of the Sun. Loud and angry voices in the
street below distracted his attention. He ran down the stairs to see what had happened. His
neighbours were again fighting over some parking issues. It was a common scene among the
residents of that area. No sooner did he reach there when suddenly the land between the
neighbours’ buildings started tearing apart. Everyone got frightened. Satish ran back to his house
to find his daughter and wife. They were both ready with their emergency baggage. The family got
out of the house and started running as fast as they could, passing the falling trees and buildings.
Water was penetrating out of the departing land and everyone was panicking and running in any
direction to save their lives when suddenly, Satish’s daughter fell down. A tree fell over her feet.
Satish was trying to help his crying daughter when they both saw a building falling over them.
Satish hugged his daughter and shouted at the peak of his voice which finally woke him up. With
sighs of heavy breathing and excessive sweating, Satish went to his daughter’s room only to find
that everything was fine. He kissed her forehead, went back to his room and wondered; “Phew!
This one really took the life out of me”.
3. Taking help from the information given below, write a story on ‘A Grain as Big as a Hen’s
Egg’. You can invent your own details.
Outline: Children found a thing shaped like a grain……… a traveller bought it from the
children……. sold to the king……… asked wise men……… it was a grain……… when and how
was it grown? asked the king……… an old farmer was called………. he was on two crutches…….
weak and deaf…… told he never sowed or reaped anything like that …. old farmer’s father was
called…… he walked with one crutch……. told the same thing……… the grandfather of the old
farmer was called….. he was healthy, walked freely…… could hear clearly……. told they sowed
and reaped such grains…….. the king asked why his old grandson and son were so weak, miserable
and unhealthy……. the grand old man replied ……. in his old times all land was free…….. there
was no money…….. men lived on their own labour…….. in his grandson’s and son’s time men
started grabbing others’ land……. depended on others’ labour…….. didn’t live according to God’s
law and were miserable.
Answer:

A GRAIN AS BIG AS A HEN’S EGG

One day some children found a thing shaped like a grain of corn. A traveller bought it from the children for a
penny and sold it to the king. The king called together his wise men, and told them to find out what the thing
was. The wise men told him that it was a grain of corn. The king ordered the wise men to find out when and
where such corn had grown. The wise men presented an old farmer. He was pale, toothless and walked on
crutches. The old man saw the grain. He told the king that he never sowed or reaped any grain like it in the
fields. Perhaps his father could tell him, something about it. The king sent for the old farmer’s father. He was
shown the grain but he also didn’t know anything where a corn like that grew. He told that perhaps his father
would tell something about the grain. The old man’s father was called. He could walk easily and without
crutches and spoke clearly. The old grandfather looked at the grain. He told that people used to grow grain
like that everywhere long time ago. “Did you buy it or grow it all yourself?” asked the king. The grand old
man told that in his time it was a sin to buy or sell land. They knew nothing of money. Each man had corn
enough of his own. Their fields were God’s earth. Land was free. Labour was the only thing men called their
own. The king asked why his grandson walked with two crutches and your son with one. He needed no
crutches, his teeth were sound, speech clear and hearing perfect. The grand old man answered that his
grandson and son made themselves miserable as men had ceased to live by their own labour. They were
miserable as they started depending on the labour of others. In the old times , lived according to God’s law
and had only what was their own.

5. Write a story in 150-200 words with the help of the following outline. Give it a suitable
title also.
 Bunya was a foolish boy, who was an attention seeker. He was a woodcutter and would
go deep into the jungle to cut trees. One day he wanted to do an act of mischief. He
shouted at the top of his voice, “There’s a tiger, tiger, there’s a tiger … ….”

6. The False alarm

Bunya was a foolish boy, who was an attention seeker. He was a woodcutter and would go
deep into the jungle to cut trees. One day he wanted to do an act of mischief. He shouted at
the top of his voice, “There’s a tiger, tiger, there’s a tiger … ….” even when there was no
trace of it. The villagers came running hurriedly thinking that Bunya was in danger. Bunya’s
mother had tears in her eyes. The villagers came ready with their safety weapons and upon
reaching, they saw no tiger but just Bunya laughing on playing them. The villagers were
hurt and they started swearing out of disappointment. Bunya had no realisation as to what he
had done and he continued laughing stealthily. A week passed by and everyone was
ignoring Bunya. One fine day, he and his friend went into the woods. Just like any other
day, they started doing their job while chatting with each other. Suddenly, they heard a roar
nearby. The tiger was towards his friend’s side of the jungle. Bhunya went running to the
villagers asking them for help. No one listened to him as they thought it was one of his
pranks. He cried for help, but no one trusted him. He ran towards the tea vendor and told
him the entire story. The tea vendor gave him the benefit of the doubt and went with him.
Till the time they reached there, his friend could be seen nowhere. They called out his name
and looked in the woods, but it was too late. Bhunya realised and accepted that it was all his
mistake.

Moral of the story is, “Truth doesn’t cost you anything but a lie could cost you everything”.

7. Sneha wanted to write a story but could not go beyond a line or two. Taking help from
,the information given below along with the lines Sneha wrote a complete story.
Mr. Aggarwal was a very wealthy businessman. One day he was alone sitting at his dining
table when…

Outline: Thief entered…….. Mr. Aggarwal thanked……… to give company……. birthday

……. gave him good food and drinks…….. gave a purse full of silver coins………… years
passed by……. fortunes changed…….. business was ruined……… Mr. Aggarwal became
poor……. 50th birthday……….. alone……. no food………. no drinks…….. bell rang …….. a
man emerged…….. recognised…….. the old thief…….. came with fruits, sweets and drinks
and a bag full of money.
 Answer:

The Return Gift

Mr. Aggarwal was a very wealthy businessman. One day he was alone sitting at his dining table. It was his
birthday. He heard the footsteps of a man behind the curtains. He knew there was a thief there. “Come on!
Thank you for coming to my house on my birthday. I’m alone,give me your company.” The thief was
starving. He had good food and drinks. Mr. Aggarwal gave him a big purse. It had silver coins. Years rolled
by. His fortunes changed. Mr. Aggarwal ,was a very poor man now. His business was ruined.
Today was his 50th birthday. But he had become a pauper now. He was alone reflecting over his good old
days. It was 9 pm. The bell rng. “Who can be at such a time to visit a poor man?” thought Aggarwal. He saw
a man in a new suit with a lovely bouquet of red roses. He had many packets of gifts, fruits, sweets and a few
bottles. He tried to recognise the man. “I’m your old thief,” replied the man. With the money you gave me I
did some business. I earned a lot of money within these years. Now I am a rich businessman. “Let’s
celebrate your birthday,” he said. “It is for you, a little return-gift.” He gave a bag to Mr. Aggarwal. Mr.
Aggarwal opened the bag. It was full of new currency notes.

6. Taking help from the information given below and inventing your own ideas, write a short
story on ‘God Sees the Truth, but Waits’.
Outline: In Vladimir lived a young merchant Aksyonof……. going to Nizhny Fair……… met a
merchant at the inn…… stayed in the adjoining rooms………. next morning he was arrested……..
blood stained dagger found……. remained in prison for 26 years in Siberia ……. one day a new
prisoner Makar came……. from his talks and movements Aksyonof was sure that Makar killed the
merchant……… Makar dug a tunnel……. asked Aksyonof to go out……. the tunnel
discovered………. Aksyonof didn’t tell anything about Makar’s conspiracy…….. Makar came to
Aksyonof at ‘night’…….. wept…….. confessed his guilt to the police Aksyonof died before he
could be released.
Answer:

God Sees the Truth, but Waits

There lived in Vladimir, a young merchant Aksyonof. One summer he was going to the Nizhny Fair. When
he had travelled half-way, he met a merchant whom he knew quite well. They stayed at the same inn and
went to bed in an adjoining room. The next morning, Aksyonof continued his journey. Two soldiers and an
officer stopped him on the way.He was searched and a blood-stained knife was recovered from his bag. He
was arrested for killing and looting his fellow merchant in the inn. He pleaded innocence. He was charged
with the murder and robbing the merchant of 20,000 roubles. For twenty six-years He lived as a convict in
Siberia. His hair turned white and his beard grew long, thin and grey. No news reached from his home’ and
Aksyonof didn’t know if his wife and children were alive or not. One of the new convicts was from his town
Vladimir. He was Makar. He told that Aksyonofs were rich but their mother was dead and father was in
Siberia. Aksyonof asked Makar if he had heard who killed the merchant. He replied that the man in whose
bag the knife was found must be the murderer. He asked, “How could anyone put a knife into your bag while
it was under your head”? Aksyonof felt sure that Makar was the man who had killed the merchant. One night
Makar came to Aksyonof’s room and told him that he had dug a tunnel under the wall and Aksyonof could
go out of the prison. The next day, the soldiers found the tunnel. They asked Aksyonof who dug the tunnel.
“It is not God’s will that I should tell!” told Aksyonof.
That night Makar came to Aksyonof and confessed that it was he who had killed the merchant and hid the
knife in his bag. He wept bitterly and asked for forgiveness. He would confess and Aksyonof could be
released. “Where could I go now?……. My wife is dead, and my children have forgotten me. I have
nowhere to go.” Makar confessed his guilt. But when the order for Aksyonof’s release came, he was already
dead.

Outline: On way to school—chaos on main road—accident at

metro construction site—scene of the accident—student

volunteers help in controlling.

7.On the basis of the clipping shown and the outline given, write a story in 150-200 words.

ANSWER

A VOLUNTEER ACT
As the school bus came on the main road, I saw a huge crowd running in our direction. The driver
of our bus braked at sight of the oncoming crowd. The people were furiously waving their hands
and gesturing to the driver to stop the bus. Soon a police inspector arrived and asked the bus driver
to take the bus to the kerb. Inside the bus, everyone had left their seats and were craning out of the
windows.

On enquiry from the people nearby we learnt that there had been a major accident on one of the
metro station construction sites. An under-construction bridge had collapsed and a large slab of
concrete had collapsed, caving in the roof of a moving bus, causing fatalities.

Before long, the sirens of ambulances screeched all around. Volunteers from nearby began to help
in carrying the injured into waiting ambulances. The local minister himself joined the rescue work.
Naturally, we students, could not remain inactive any longer. With the help of our teachers, we
formed groups and under the direction of the local policeman, began to divert the traffic so that a
traffic jam could be averted.

8. Mahesh wrote only a few lines and couldn’t complete the story he wanted to write. Taking
help from the given input, and basing it on the beginning Mahesh made, write a complete
story.
A woodcutter was chopping down trees on the bank of a river. His hands were so much wet with
his sweat that he lost his grip………..
Outline: Axe fell down into river…….. couldn’t swim….. unhappy at his misfortune and wept……
God of Forests appeared……….. promised to get back his axe……. dived……… came out with an
axe of gold… “not mine”……… dived again……… came out with silver axe …….. “not mine”
said woodcutter…… dived again……… came out with woodcutter’s axe…….. “this is my
axe”……. truly honest…….. rewarded all three axes to the woodcutter.
Answer:

Honesty Pays in the Long Run

A woodcutter was chopping down trees on the bank of a river. His hands were so much wet with
his sweat that he lost his grip over the axe. It slipped away from his hands and fell down into the
river. The poor man couldn’t even swim. He thought that his axe was lost forever. He was very sad
at his misfortune and started sobbing and weeping. Suddenly there was a flash of light. The god of
the Forests appeared before him. The woodcutter explained what had happened. The god consoled
him, “Don’t you worry. I’ll get back your axe for you.” Having said these words, he dived into the
river. After a few moments he came out with an axe. It was made of gold. “Is this yours?” he asked.
The woodcutter only said “No!” A few seconds later he came out of the river with another axe. It
was made of silver. “No, no, sir, this is not mine,” said the woodcutter. He dived again and came
out with the third axe. The woodcutter cried loudly looking at the axe “Yes, yes, it’s mine—the
woodcutter’s axe with an iron blade.” The god of Forests was impressed with the woodcutter’s
honesty. “Keep all three of these axes as a present from me.” The god uttered these words and
disappeared.

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS

Maximum Marks: 5

A descriptive paragraph is a writing task in which a person, place, thing or an event is

described. It is written to present the facts about a particular person, place, thing or an event
to the reader. The student should use simple language while writing the descriptive
paragraph and stick to the word limit of 100-150 words. Sometimes verbal or visual clues are
given in the question for writing the paragraph.

Points to be kept in mind

● It should give complete details about the person, place, thing or event being described in
it.
● One should use simple language and short sentences.
● The word limit of 100-150 words should be adhered to strictly.
● The visual and verbal clues given in the question can be used in constructing the
descriptive paragraph.
● It should not include the opinion / any speculations/ Personal comments or
recommendations of the writer about the person, place, thing or event being described .in
the paragraph.
Q1. Taking the information given below , develop it into a paragraph (100-150 words).you can
invent your own details.

Hints

Einstein ------- migrated to USA in 1993-------------------------------------------

Nazi in Germany ----------could make atom bomb-------------letter to Roosevelt ------------

warning of destruction --------atom bomb dropped on Japanese cities-------------Einstein deeply
shaken --------------advocated a world government--------against war------campaigned for peace
and democracy------------a great scientist---------------a visionary.
Q2. PLACE

You happen to visit Bhallard (Scenic Beauty Place) in the foothills of Kumaon. You collected
details about this place. Write a descriptive paragraph on the basis of the following inputs in 100-
150 words.

YOU HEAD TO BHALLARD, IN THE KUMAON FOOTHILLS

FACT FILE

● Nearest Airport : New Delhi

● Nearest Railway station: Kathgodam (KKDM) Tickets are always in demand and need
to be booked well in advance. By Road: From Delhi, NH 24 to Moradabad and Rampur
and NH 87 to Kathgodam; via Bhimtal to Ramgarh and from there to Nathukhan via
Talla (lower)Ramgarh; From Nathuakhan, 4 Kms on the road towards Hartola is
Bhallard Village.
● Facilities: Tourist attractions abound in several places: Nanital, Bhimtal, Sattal,
Ramgarh, Almora. A few homestay options are available and need to be” identified”.
● Attractions: Natural beauty is witnessed in its abundance in this region. Lakes with
boating facilities abound for example Nanital , Bhimtal, and Sattal. The Kumaon hills
are wonderful for trekkers, bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and many an unspoilt hill-
path beckons you. Orchards and fruit laden trees abound in the Nathuakhan? Bhallard
area.
● Aah! Himalayas home-stay : The Aah ! Himalayas homestay package (including
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and laundry) costs Rs 4000/-for a couple per night. Up to two
children (under12) go free; older than 12 are charged a supplementary fee of Rs 500/-
per night. Single homestay is charged at Rs 2500/ -per night, Home-stays are always pre-
arranged with the owner.
Q3. You recently attended a seminar on ‘How to achieve Success”. Using the clues given below describe
the event in 100-150 words.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Do not fixate with results; just enjoy the journey that leads you to them.

2. Always measure your improvements and work to better yourself in all spheres.

3. Do not wait for opportunity to knock on your door. However, if does, make the
most of it

4. Fame and money flow in with passion and perseverance.

5. Measure your decisions and build a strong team

and perseverance.

5. Measure your decisions and build a strong team

Q4. Write a descriptive paragraph based on the visual clue given below.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

4 YEARS OLD
 ANSWERS

Q1. Ans.

Einstein- A Great Visionary

Einstein had to leave Germany when The Nazis came to power. He migrated to the United States of
America in 1933. Discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin shook the world. The Nazis could develop
an atom bomb that could cause utter loss of human lives and property. Einstein wrote a letter to
president Roosevelt warning about the destruction.The USA developed the atom bomb and dropped
it on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Einstein was deeply shaken by the extent of destruction
caused by the bomb. He campaigned for peace and democracy. He hated war and arms build-up. He
advocated for the formation of world government, He was not only scientific genius but a great
visionary. This world citizen breathed his last in 1955.

Q2. Ans.

YOU HEAD TO BHALLARD, IN THE KUMAOON FOOTHILLS

Bhallard in Kumaon is a place where nature’s beauty can be captured. It is close to Kathgodam
railway station. The nearest airport is Delhi. From here one can either take a train or go by road.
There are many interesting places to stay there including homestay options at Almora. Nature’s
pristine beauty can be seen here. In Nanital, Bhimtal and Sattal boating facilities are available.
Kumaon hills area is a wonderful place for bird watchers, nature lovers and trekkers. One can see
fruit laden trees in Bhallard. Aah! Home stay option charge Rs. 4000/- night per couple with 2
children below 12 years free.

Q3. Ans. ‘HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS’

A seminar on ‘How to achieve Success’ was held in our school on Monday. It was attended by as
many as 600 people from various walks of life. Speaker after speaker gave some valuable tips
which, if implemented, can help us achieve success. The participants defined success. Success was
not something to be compared with others but it has to be looked at as improving our own
performance as compared to the previous one. It is a journey and not an end in itself. If we start
enjoying the journey, success will follow.

Today is the age of team building. One must work with colleagues as a team and move towards the
larger goal. Success of the team means success of the organization and that means individual’s
success. That is the way to look at it, that is the way to approach it. After attending the seminar, I
came out better equipped to handle day to day situations.

Q.4 Ans.

Birthday Party

It was my little sister’s birthday party. Her name is Meenu and she turned four yesterday. Everyone
in our house was excited about the party. I had started planning for it a month ago. I designed the
birthday invitation cards and sent them to all the kids in our neighbourhood. Apart from this I also
helped my mother for the party and completing decoration. I even purchased a gift for my sister
from the pocket money. The party started at 6 pm in the evening. All of us assembled around the
table where the birthday Cake was kept. Our pet dog Kiku also joined us. Everyone clapped and
sang the birthday song as my sister cut the cake. My father clicked few snaps of me, my sister and
her friends. My mother served cake and snacks to all of us. Everybody enjoyed the treat amid light
music in the background. My sister was so happy on receiving the gifts and thanked her friends for
coming to the party.

TENSES
Directions For Question 1 to 20 – Given below are the statements with blanks. You are required
to fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the option so that the sentence appears to be in
the correct form of Tense.

Q.1. How many cups of coffee _____ yesterday?

i. Did you drink

ii. Do you drink
iii. You have drank
iv. You were drinking

Q.2. She shall _____ your ice-cream parlour soon because she ____ ice-cream.

i. Be visiting, like
ii. Visit, likes
iii. Have been visiting, is liking
iv. Visiting, like

Q.3. Shakespeare ____ dramas that are appealing to the people of all ages.

i. Wrote
ii. Had written
iii. Had been writing
iv. Has written

Q.4. The barber ___ his finger while he ____ off my hair.

i. Had cut, was chopping

ii. Cut, chop
iii. Cut, was chopping
iv. Cuts, had been chopping

Q.5. Prasoon ___ for Bangalore early and he must ___ by this time.

i. Leave, have been reaching

ii. Left, have reached
iii. Had left, be reaching
iv. Left, have been reached

Q.6. No, Rama is not at home, He ___ just ____ for shopping
 i. had, gone
ii. has, gone
iii. was , going
iv. will have, be going

Q.7. It is clearly ____ ‘passengers ____ to smoke in the train’, still, they ___ ignorant.

i. Written, are not allowed, are being

ii. Written, was not allowed, be
iii. Wrote, do not allow, are been
iv. Written, are not allowing, have been

Q.8. They ____ a football match in the evening. What ___ you do?

i. Were playing, do
ii. Played, did
iii. Have played, —
iv. Are playing, will

Q.9. Sheren ____ what you mean. Please explain it to her again.

i. Don’t understand
ii. Didn’t understand
iii. Doesn’t understand
iv. Hadn’t understand

Q.10. By the end of this September, she ____in this organisation for thirteen years.

i. Will work
ii. Had been working
iii. Will have been working
iv. Will be working

Q.11. Nancy and Princy ____ to our house to play the treasure hunt with us.

i. Will have been coming

ii. Had been to come
iii. Are coming
iv. Come
Q.12. The flight ____ before we reach the airport.

i. Will have taken off

ii. Has taken off
iii. Is taking off
iv. Was taking off

Q.13. I have just ____ a typewriter and I ____ typing nowadays.

i. Have been hiring, have been learning

ii. Hired, have learned
iii. Had hired, am learning
iv. Have been hired, had been learning

Q.14. Mother ___ me to watch time and return soon, I replied, Please don’t worry, if ____ late
tonight.

i. Is asking, I will be
ii. Asked, I am
iii. Had been asking, be
iv. Had asked, I will be

Q.15. If she ___ late just one more time, the manager ____ suspend her.

i. Is arriving, is going to
ii. Will be arriving, would
iii. Arrives, will
iv. Is going to arrive, would have

Q.16. They ___ out for an evening walk after they ____ dinner.

i. Went, had taken

ii. go , had taken
iii. Have gone, took
iv. Are going, took

Q.17. The warden ___ into the room to see what the students ____.
 i. Go, had been doing
ii. Went, was doing
iii. Gone, had been doing
iv. Went, were doing

Q.18. When our train ____ at the station, we found the bridegroom’s family ____ for us.

i. Was reaching, waited

ii. Reached, had been waiting
iii. Have been reaching, waited
iv. Reached, waiting

Q.19. Rohan, I ___ seen you for a long time, How ___?

i. Had not, are you

ii. Have not, have you been
iii. Did not, had you been
iv. Have not, are you been

Q.20. She ____ movies. ____ any recent Hollywood movies?

i. Loves watching, have you watched

ii. Love to watching, did you watched
iii. Is loving, have you been watching
iv. Loves watching, had you seen

Q.21. In 1984, the people of Bhopal………….. out their daily routines when a poisonous gas
……………from the nearby Union Carbide Plant.

i. have carried /was leaking

ii. are carrying/ has leaked
iii. were carrying/ leaked
iv. have been carrying/ is leaking

Q.22. As our TV……….. very well for the last two months, we………. Of buying a new one.

i. didn’t work / have been thinking

 ii. hasn’t worked/ think
iii. isn’t working / have thought
iv. hasn’t been working / are thinking

Q.23. Identify the tense used in the given sentence. “Someone picked my pocket.”

i. Present indefinite tense

ii. Past indefinite tense

iii. Past perfect tense

v. Present perfect tense

Q.24. Women and children ………..a right to live their lives free from all forms of violence and
abuse, and society……… a duty to recognize and defend this right.

i. would have / has

ii. have / has
iii. will have / would have
iv. have / had

Q.25. Choose the future perfect tense form of the given sentence. “Charlie is the head boy of our
school.”

i. Charlie will be the head boy of our school.

ii. Charlie has been the head boy of our school.

iii. Charlie have had been the head boy of our school.

iv. Charlie will have been the head boy of our school.

Q.26. Which tense is used to express a person's habitual or regular activities?

i. Present perfect tense

ii. Present perfect continuous tense

iii. Present indefinite tense

iv. Present continuous tense

Q.27. Choose the future indefinite tense form of the given sentence. “The parcel has been
delivered.”

i. The parcel had been delivered.

ii. The parcel will be delivered.

iii. The parcel was delivered.

iv. The parcel would have been delivered.

Q28. Fill in the blank with the present perfect continuous tense form of the verb given in the
bracket. “Workers __________ day and night.” (work)

i. had been working

ii. have been working

iii. has been working

iv. are working

Q. 29. Choose the correct sentence.

i. I did not accompanied them.

ii. I do not accompanied them.

iii. I does not accompany them.

iv. I do not accompany them.

Q.30. Identify the tense used in the given sentence. “Sasha scolds and asks her to go away.”

i. Past indefinite tense

ii. Past perfect tense

iii. Present indefinite tense

iv. Present perfect tense

ANSWERS-

1 i 8 iv 15 iii 22 iv 29 iv
2 ii 9 iii 16 i 23 ii 30 iii
3 i 10 iii 17 iv 24 ii
4 iii 11 iii 18 ii 25 iv
5 iii 12 i 19 ii 26 iii
6 ii 13 ii 20 i 27 ii
7 i 14 ii 21 iii 28 ii

MODALS

Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which
behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They
give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great
variety of communicative functions.

Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:

● They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...
● They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)
● They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to express certainty, possibility,
willingness, obligation, necessity, ability

List of modal verbs

Here is a list of modal verbs:

can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must

The verbs or expressions dare, ought to, had better and need not behave like modal auxiliaries to a
large extent and may be added to the above list.
Modals are different from normal verbs:

1: They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.

2: They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?').

3: They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to').

Probability: First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something
happened / is happening / will happen. We often call these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation'
or 'certainty' or 'probability'.

For example:

● It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.

● I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
● This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!

Ability: We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.

For example:

● She can speak six languages.

● My grandfather could play golf very well.
● I can't drive.

Obligation and Advice: We can use verbs such as 'must' or 'should' to say when something is
necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice.

For example:

● Children must do their homework.

● We have to wear a uniform at work.
● You should stop smoking.
Permission: We can use verbs such as 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. We
also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.

For example:

● Could I leave early today, please?

● You may not use the car tonight.
● Can we swim in the lake?

Habits: We can use 'will' and 'would' to talk about habits or things we usually do, or did in the
past.

For example:

● When I lived in Italy, we would often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.
● John will always be late!

EXERCISE 1: Choose the correct option

Q1. This dress suits her style. She __________ definitely like it!

A. can

B. could

C. will

D. may

Q2. When Juan was two, he __________ already speak very well.

A. might

B. could

C. can

D. should

Q3. She __________ visit her grandparents’ house during holidays.

A. dare to
B. ought to

C. can

D. might

Q4. __________ I talk to the manager?

A. Might

B. May

C. Could

D. Shall

Q5. During peak hours, it _________ take more than two hours.

A. can

B. should

C. shall

D. will

Q6. How __________ she do that to us!

A. would

B. must

C. could

D. shall

Q7. If I get the required assistance, I __________ pass the exam in the first attempt.

A. shall

B. can not

C. might

D. could

Q8. The audience __________ settle before the doors are closed.

A. can

B. shall
C. might

D. must

Q9. We __________ always respect our elders.

A. can

B. will

C. should

D. could

Q10. ___________ we save money for the party?

A. would

B. need

C. should

D. dare

Q11. All students __________ obey the school regulations.

A. could

B. must

C. are able to

D. will

Q12. You __________ visit them, just make a phone call.

A. can not

B. will

C. need not

D. shall not

Q13. All members ___________ attend the meeting as per the notice.

A. can

B. would

C. might
D. should

Q14. There ________ be a famous shop here.

A. used to

B. should

C. ought to

D. would

Q15. There has been a landslide. You __________ be careful while driving there.

A. can

B. must

C. could

D. would

Q16. I ___________ have won the tournament.

A. need to

B. will

C. could

D. dare to

Q17. You __________ speak in the library.

A. must not

B. dare not

C. need not

D. could not

Q18. “We _________ definitely look into the matter”, the officer affirmed.

A. need to

B. would

C. will

D. dare to
Q19. It’s time we _________ leave.

A. might

B. should

C. might have

D. could have

Q20. We are __________ wait in the lobby until the receptionist calls again.

A. supposed to

B. used to

C. obliged to

D. able to

Q. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ans. C B D B A C C D C C

Q. No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Ans. B C D A B C A C B A

EXERCISE 2: Choose the correct option

Q1. Oh! I __________ have loved to go with you all.

A. could

B. should

C. might

D. would

Q2. __________ you pass me the salt and pepper?

A. Might
B. Can

C. Shall

D. Ought

Q3. I __________ make sure that he performs better.

A. would have

B. should have

C. will

D. might

Q4. __________ you be a little polite?

A. Should

B. Will have

C. Need

D. Could

Q5. He is the chief guest. He __________ be there.

A. ought to

B. could

C. might

D. supposed to

Q6. __________ I borrow some money from your father?

A. Ought

B. May

C. Might

D. Would

Q7. He seems dangerous. We __________ talk to him.

A. would not

B. might not
C. should not

D. could not

Q8. We __________ reach by 7 PM before the ceremony starts.

A. must

B. might

C. could

D. dare

Q9. That restaurant serves the best sushi. You __________ definitely try!

A. would

B. might

C. may

D. should

Q10. It has started raining. I __________have carried my umbrella.

A. might

B. should

C. would

D. could

Q11. The road seems uneven, you __________ slow down.

A. would

B. can

C. need to

D. dare to

Q12. He __________ be shy during his college days.

A. used to

B. need to

C. ought to
D. could

Q13. __________ you like to accompany us on the tour?

A. Should

B. Would

C. Will

D. Shall

Q14. We __________have given an identity card to them.

A. would

B. will

C. should

D. might

Q15. I am unable to find my phone. I __________have lost it on the way back.

A. should

B. could

C. might

D. ought to

Q16. You __________ always inform your parents of your whereabouts.

A. should

B. would

C. could

D. may

Q17. Don’t you ___________ lie to me!

A. need to

B. dare

C. ought to

D. have
Q18. You __________ visit the doctor before the condition worsens.

A. can

B. could

C. must

D. might

Q19. You __________ be informed about the results soon.

A. might

B. will

C. ought to

D. can

Q20. __________ I make an announcement?

A. Shall

B. Should

C. Could

D. Will

Q. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ans. D B C D A B C A D B

Q. No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Ans. C A B C C A B C B A
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

(Subject-verb concord)

We often need to write sentences which contain a subject and verb. The subject could be a noun, a
proper noun (name of a person or place) or an abstract noun.

The use of finite verb in a sentence is determined by the number and the person of the subject. This
is known as subject-verb agreement/concord.

Rules Involved in Subject-Verb Agreement

1. The basic rule is Singular Subject — Singular Verb

Plural Subject — Plural Verb.

2. When we make a sentence we tell something about a person or a thing. The part of the
sentence which names the person or thing is called the subject and the part which gives us
more information about the subject is called the predicate of the sentence.
A subject can be

Singular — A book, an egg, a key

Plural — Women, boys, flowers
Uncountable — Sugar, water, furniture

Note- A subject will come before a phrase beginning with 'of'.

Incorrect A bouquet of yellow roses lend colour and fragrance to the room.
Correct A bouquet of yellow roses lends colour and fragrance to the room. (bouquet
lends, not roses lend)

SUBJECT AND VERB IN PERSON AND NUMBER

The subject and verb must agree in person and number. If the subject is singular, the verb should
also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

1. Singular Subject — Singular Verb

e.g. I am in the classroom.
2. Plural Subject — Plural Verb
e.g. They are in the classroom.

3. When two or more singular subjects are joined together, plural verb is used.
e.g. Mrs and Mr Gupta are going to the market.

4. When two subjects together express one idea, singular verb is used.
e.g. Bread and butter is essential for living.

5. If the given nouns look like plurals (i.e. they end with 's') but they åre, in fact, singular
nouns, then we use a singular verb.
e.g. Economics is my favourite subject.

6. Words such as audience, congregation, crowd, group and family take a singular or plural
verb depending upon the sentence, but it is always safe to use a plural verb with these
nouns.
e.g. The family are our strongest support.

Note In some cases, you can also use a singular verb with plural subject.
e.g. (a) The audience is very excited.
(b) The crowd is coming in huge numbers.
In these sentences, audience and crowd are plural subjects, but singular verb
is used in these sentences.

7. Everybody, somebody, nobody, anybody and anyone take a singular verb.

e.g. Nobody is perfect in this world.

8. Nouns joined by 'and' take a plural verb.

e.g. Apples and oranges are his favourite fruits.

9. If subjects are joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either', 'neither', the verb agrees with the subject nearest
to it.
e.g. (a) Neither he nor his sister was there.
(b) He or his friends are to be blamed.
10. The title of a book, play, story or a musical composition, even though plural, takes a
singular verb.
e.g. The Three Musketeers is a very good book.

11. When a plural noun comes between a singular subject and its verb, the verb agrees with the
singular subject.
e.g. (a) Each of the apples is juicy.
(b) Neither of the men was a thief.

12. Words joined to a singular subject by with, as well as, etc., are parenthetical. The verb
should therefore be put in the singular.
e.g. The Prime Minister, with his cabinet colleagues, is supposed to be present.

13. The verb must agree with the first subject, irrespective of whether it is singular or plural.
e.g. My friends as well as my colleagues are going abroad.

14. Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by 'and', require a singular
verb.
e.g. Every boy and every girl was given vaccination.

15. None is singular but takes a plural/singular verb according to the sense involved in the
sentence.
e.g. (a) None were given a chance to speak.
(b) I asked for a maid, but none was there.

16. When the plural noun is a proper name for some single object or some collective unit, it
must be followed by a singular verb.
e.g. The United Nations is not an effective body for world peace.

17. Nouns like glasses (spectacles), pants, trousers, shoes, people, police, scissors always take a
plural verb. Also, descriptive nouns like the rich, the blind, the guilty are always plural.
e.g. (a) Your shoes are glossy.
But when used with 'a pair of ', they are singular.
(b) A pair of branded shoes is quite expensive these days.
 18. Uncountable nouns like advice, news, media' stationery, weather, progress are singular and
take a singular verb.
e.g. One must not offer advice unless asked.

19. Nouns like news, physics, economics, measles' cards, aerobics are plural in form, but they
are treated as singular.
e.g. Aerobics is a good exercise.

20. A collective noun takes singular verb, when the collection is thought of as one whole. It
takes plural verb when the stress is on the individuals.
e.g. (a) The cartel of oil supplying countries has submitted its report.
(b)The cartel of oil supplying countries are divided over the issue.
21. A singular verb is used when a plural noun denotes some specific quantity or amount.
e.g. (a) One-fifty rupees is too much for this bag.
(b) Two-thirds of the city is in ruins.

Exceptional Cases

We know that most plural nouns and plural proper names end in 's' and we use a plural verb
with them. But there are some exceptions.

● Remember that a few nouns are always plural, even though they don't end in 's' and
they take a plural verb.
e.g. People have such strange ideas. The police were baffled.

● Quite a few common plurals don't end in 's'.

e.g. The children are in bed.
My feet hurt.
Her teeth are rather uneven.
You've beautiful hair.
Exercise-1
Choose the correct form of verb that agrees with the subject.
a) Ganga and yamuna __________ (doesn't/don't) start at the same place.
b) The Minister, together with his wife __________ (greets/greet).
c) Nobody __________(know/knows) the problems I've been through recently.
d) Every one of these books __________ (is/are) worth reading.
e) Either my mother or my father __________ (is/are) coming to the meeting.
f) Asha and her brothers __________ (is/are) at school.
g) Either answer __________ (is/are) acceptable.
h) Balwinder __________ (doesn't/don't) know the answer.
i) Your pants __________ (is/are) given to the drycleaners.
j) Two hundred rupees _________ (is/are) the price of a movie ticket in this hall.
Answers:
a) Don't
b) Greets
c) Knows
d) Is
e) Is
f) Are
g) Is
h) Doesn't
i) Are
j) Is
Exercise-2
Choose the correct form of verb that agrees with the subject.
a) The decision of the board members __________ final on this matter
i. Were
ii. Are
iii. Is
iv. Has
b) Not only her parents but also her uncle __________ abroad.
i. Has been lived
ii. Live
iii. Have lived
iv. Lives
c) He or his friends __________ broken the window
i. Has
ii. Was
iii. Were
iv. Have
d) Either he or I __________ to attend the function.
 i. Has
ii. Are
iii. Is
iv. Have
e) Nothing but empty promises __________ given to the public.
i. Are
ii. Are being
iii. Has
iv. Is
f) More boys than one __________ absent from the class.
i. Were
ii. Are
iii. Is
iv. Have
g) More than one book __________ missing from the library.
i. Were
ii. Are
iii. Is
iv. Have
h) The following __________ the details of the program.
i. Is
ii. Are
iii. Have
iv. Has
i) The price of essential commodities __________ skyrocketing.
i. Is
ii. Are
iii. Have been
iv. Has
j) He as well as his friends __________ interested in cricket.
a) Has
b) Am
c) Are
d) Is
Answers:
a) iii) is
 b) iv) lives
c) iv) have
d) iv)have
e) iv) is
f) ii) are
g) iii) is
h) ii) are
i) i) is
j) iv) is

Reported Speech

Direct speech repeats, or quotes, the exact words spoken. When we use direct speech in writing,
we place the words spoken between quotation marks (" ") and there is no change in these words.
We may be reporting something that's being said NOW (for example a telephone conversation), or
telling someone later about a previous conversation.
In direct speech we usually put a comma between the reporting clause and the reported clause. The
words of the original speaker are enclosed in inverted commas (“…”). If the reported clause comes
first, we put the comma inside the inverted commas.
If the direct speech is a question or exclamation, we use a question mark or exclamation mark, not a
comma.

Examples

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said.

“Is there a reason for this?” she asked.

“I hate you!” he shouted.

She said, "What time will you be home?" and I said, "I don't know! "

"There's a fly in my soup!" screamed Simone.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said.

When we use reported speech, we are referring to something that was said either by ourselves or
by someone else in the past. So, we normally change the tense of the words spoken.

Examples

She said that she had seen him.

He said that he was tired.

Danish said that he worked in a bank.

She says that she likes ice cream.

Speech reports consist of two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. The reporting
clause includes a verb such as say, tell, ask, reply, shout.

Rules for reporting speech

There are following things you should keep in mind:

1. Changes as per Reporting Verb

According to the reporting verb, changes are made in the direct sentence or the sentence in
inverted commas.
● If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the direct sentence is changed in its past tense.

Nitya said, “I am hungry.”

Nitya said that she was hungry.

● The tense of direct speech remains unchanged when the reporting verb is in the present or
future tense.

Ishani says, “I am pretty.”

Ishani says that she is pretty.

Rohan will say, “I am going to complete the work.”

Rohan will say that he is going to complete the work.
 ● If the direct sentence contains the universal truth, then it remains unchanged in the Indirect
Speech.

They said, “The sun rises in the east.”

They said that the sun rises in the east.

2. Change in the perspective, or point of view (Pronouns).

● The first person in reported speech changes according to the subject of reporting speech.
Mary said, “I ate the pie.”
Mary said that she had eaten the pie.
● In Reported Speech change of the second person depends on the object of reporting speech.
I told them, “You have finished your work.”
I told them that they had finished their work.

● The third person remains unchanged.

The coach said, “Players are ready for their turn”

The coach said that players were ready for their turn.

3. Changes in Time and Place

Time and place references often have to change in Indirect Speech

● Now –> Then

● Thus –> So
● Today –> That day
● Here –> There
● This –> That
● These –> Those
● Tomorrow –> The following day/ The next day/ The day after
● Next week –> The following week/ The next week/ The week after
● Yesterday –> The previous day/ The day before
● Last week –> The previous week/ The week before
● Ago –> Previously/ Before
 ● Tonight –> That night

4. To "backshift" the tense

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. If this verb is in the present tense, we just put 'says' and
then the sentence:

She says, “I like ice cream.”

She says that she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' accordingly.

But, if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported
speech:

Tense Direct Speech Reported Speech

Present Simple She said, “I like Geometry.” She said that she liked Geography.

Present
She said, “I am living in Agra.” She said that she was living in Agra.
Continuous

Past Simple She said, “I bought a car.” She said that she had bought a car.

Past She said, “I was walking along She said that she had been walking along the
Continuous the street.” street.

She said, “I haven't watched

Present Perfect She said that she hadn't watched that movie.
this movie.”

Present Perfect She said, “I have been taking She said that she had been taking English
Continuous English lessons since August.” lessons since August.

She said, “I’ll help, but I need She said that she would help but she needed
Will
some time.” some time.
 She said, “I can speak perfect
Can She said that she could speak perfect English.
English.”

Shall She said, “I shall come later.” She said that she would come later.

She said, “I may go to the

May She said that she might go to the party.
party.”

She said that she must study this weekend.

She said, “I must study this
Must OR
weekend.”
She said she had to study this weekend.

5. No Change in Verb Tenses in Reported Speech

There is no change in verb tenses in Indirect Speech when:
● The introductory verb is in the Present, Present Perfect or Future.
● If the reported sentence deals with a fact or general truth.
● The reported sentence contains a time clause.
● The verb of the sentence is in the unreal past (the second or the third conditional).
● The subjunctive stays unchanged in the subordinate clause.
● Had better, could, would, used to, should, might, ought to and mustn’t remain unchanged.
● If the speaker reports something immediately or soon after it was said.

Reporting Verbs:

add comment explain offer state

admit complain hint order suggest

 advise confess inform point out threaten

agree confirm insist promise warn

announce continue interrupt protest wonder

answer shout maintain repeat reply

ask demand note enquire claim

Reported Questions

Reported question is when we tell someone what another person asked. The very important thing
though is that, once we tell the question to someone else, it isn't a question any more. So we need to
change the question to a normal positive sentence.

● When we report questions, we have to pay attention to the auxiliary verb. These are words like
do, be, and have. Yes or no questions begin with an auxiliary. To report that question, drop the
auxiliary, add if and change the order to ,make it a statement:

My friend said to me, "Do you like pizza?"

My friend asked me if I liked pizza.

Our neighbour said, “Have you ever been to Mexico?

Our neighbour asked if I had ever been to Mexico.

● Information questions start with a question (‘Wh’) word. To report on these, simply change the
pronoun and word order. No extra conjunction is used
 My grandmother said to us, "Where are you going?"
My grandmother asked us where we were going.

A passenger said to the man at counter, “What time does the train leave?”
A passenger asked the man at counter what time the train left.

● A similar word order switch appears with the verb "be" in questions.

They asked, "When is the party?"

They asked when the party was.

The man said, “Where is the Post Office?”

The man asked where the Post Office was.

Reported Offers, Commands and Requests

Reported Orders, Commands and Requests are formed using the to-infinitive and not to-infinitive.
The reporting verbs for the orders/ commands/ requests are: order, shout, demand, warn, beg,
command, tell, insist, beseech, threaten, implore, ask, propose, forbid…
When we change from direct to indirect speech, the pronoun and tense changes that are also
needed.

Examples:

He said to me, “Would you like me to help you?”

He offered to help me.

The lady sitting next to me said to me, “Can you hold this for me, please?”
The lady sitting next to me asked me to hold that.

My mother said, “Why don't we check with Joel?”

My mother suggested checking with Joel.
 The child said to me, “Please don't smoke.”
The child requested me not to smoke.

He said, “Would you mind coming early tomorrow?”

He asked me to come early the next day.

Father said to the little girl, “Go to bed!”

Father told the little girl to go to bed.

Exercise

I. Choose the correct option:

1. “I will invite you to my birthday party.” Lina said that……… birthday party.
a) I would invite you to my
b) she would invite me to her
c) if she invited me to her
d) she would invite me to my

2. “Your aunt doesn’t need an operation.” The doctor told me …………

a) that my aunt didn’t need an operation.
b) that my aunt had not needed an operation.
c) if my aunt needed an operation.
d) that my aunt wouldn’t need an operation.
3. “I have seen this movie.” Jyotika told me……….
a) that she has seen that movie.
b) that she had seen this movie.
c) that she had seen that movie.
d) If she had seen that movie.

4. "I was waiting for her but she didn’t come." The detective told his client……………..
a) that he was waiting for her but she didn’t come.
b) that he had been waiting for her but she didn’t come.
c) that he was waiting for her but she hadn’t come.
d) that he had been waiting for her but she hadn’t come.

5. "I'd never been there before." My cousin said …………….

a) if he had never been there before.
b) if he would never been there before.
c) that he had never been there before.
d) that he would never been there before.

6. "Sheetal has been living in Paris for a few months." My mother told my sister………….
a) that Sheetal had been living in Paris for a few months.
b) that Sheetal had been living in Paris since a few months.
c) if Sheetal had been living in Paris for a few months.
d) that Sheetal would have been living in Paris for a few months.

7. "They would help if they could.” The policeman told victim’s father………..
a) that they would help if they could.
b) that they would have helped if they could.
c) that they must help if they could.
d) that they would have helped if they should.

8. "I didn't have time to do my homework." Chitra said ............

a) that I didn't have time to do my homework.
b) that she didn't have time to do her homework.
c) that she hadn't have time to do her homework.
d) that she didn't had time to do her homework.
9. "The boss must sign the letter." The new secretary said.........
a) that the boss must sign the letter.
b) if the boss must sign the letter.
c) that the boss must have signed the letter.
d) that the boss would sign the letter.

10. "I went to the cinema yesterday." She said........

a) that she went to the cinema yesterday.
b) that she went to the cinema the previous day.
c) that she had gone to the cinema the previous day.
d) that she would have gone to cinema the previous day.

11. “Where will you stay?” I asked her …

a) if she would stay.
b) where would she stay.
c) where she would stay.
d) where she had stayed

12. “Have you eaten all the cake?” She asked me …

a) if had I eaten all the cake.
b) have I'd eaten all the cake.
c) if I'd eaten all the cake.
d) if I have eaten all the cake.

13. “How often do you use public transport?” She wanted to know …
a) how often I used public transport.
b) how I used often public transport.
c) how often did I use public transport.
d) If I used public transport often.

14. “Did you see the parade?” She asked us …

a) where we'd seen the parade.
b) whether we'd seen the parade.
c) if we saw the parade.
 d) whether we have seen the parade.

15. “When had you last spoken?” I asked her ...

a) whether she had last spoken.
b) when she had last spoken.
c) when has she last spoken.
d) when she had been last spoken.

16. What were you doing at the time?' She asked me …

a) what I'd been doing at the time.
b) what was I doing at the time.
c) what had I been doing at the time.
d) what I was doing at the time.

17. “Can she walk yet?” I wondered …

a) could she walk yet.
b) if can she walk yet.
c) if she could walk yet.
d) whether she could have walked yet.

18. “What about having the party outside?” She suggested …

a) about having the party outside.
b) having the party outside.
c) to have the party outside.
d) if we will have party outside.

19. “Say hello to Jim” They asked me ............

a) that they said hello to Jim.
b) to say hello to Jim.
c) if I said hello to Jim.
d) If I had said hello to Jim.

20. "Don't try this at home." The stuntman advised the audience............
a) that they didn’t try this at home.
 b) that they didn’t try that at home.
c) not to try that at home.
d) if they hadn’t try that at home.

II. Choose the correct option:

A. Mother: Why are you looking so worried?

Daughter: My exams are approaching.
Mother: When will they start?
Daughter: Next month, Mother.
Mother asked her daughter (1) ……… The daughter replied that (2) ………… Mother further
asked (3) ……… The daughter told her mother that they would start in the following month.

1. a) if she was looking very worried.

b) why she was looking very worried.
c) if she had been looking very worried.
d) why she had been looking very worried.
2. a) her exams were approaching.
b) her exams would be approaching.
c) her exams had been approaching.
d) her exams have been approaching.

3. a) when would they start.

b) when had they started.
c) when they would start.
d) when they would be started.

B. Rama: I am going to jungle.

Sita: Why?
Rama: I have been banished for fourteen years by father.
Sita: Oh! It is very sad. Can I go with you?
Rama: No. Stay at home to take care of my old parents.
On being banished by his father, King Dasharatha, Rama told Sita (4) ______. She asked him (5)
_______. Rama told that (6) _______.Sita exclaimed saying it was very sad and asked Rama (7)
_______. Rama asked her (8) __________of his old parents.

4. a) if he was going to jungle

b) that he had been going to jungle.
c) that he was going to jungle.
d) whether he was going to jungle.

5. a) why he was going to jungle.

b) why was he going to jungle.
c) why he had been going to jungle.
d) why had he been going to jungle.

6. a) he has been banished for fourteen years by father.

b) he was banished for fourteen years by father.
c) he would have been banished for fourteen years by father.
d) he had been banished for fourteen years by father.

7. a) that she could go with him.

b) if she could go with him.
c) if she could have gone with him.
d) whether she went with him.

8. a) whether she had stayed at home to take care

b) if she stayed at home to take care
c) that stay at home to take care
d) to stay at home to take care

C. Buddha : Honesty is the best policy.

Disciple : Does honesty always pay?
Buddha : It may or may not, but at least you will never feel guilty.
Buddha in his preaching said that (9) ……… A disciple asked him (10) …...… Buddha replied (c)
…….. but at least he would never feel guilty.

9. a) honesty was the best policy.

b) honesty is the best policy
c) honesty has been the best policy
d) honesty had been the best policy

10. a) if honesty always paid.

b) did honesty always pay.
c) whether honesty always pay.
d) had honesty always paid.

11. a) if it might or might not

b) whether it might or might not
c) that it may or may not
d) that it might or might not

D. Mother: You seem so tired. Take some rest.

Suraj: I can’t even think of relaxing. I have lots of homework to do.
Mother: You should not take so much of stress.
Suraj: Don’t worry. Please give me a hot cup of tea.

Mother told Suraj that (12)…………and advised him (13)………… Suraj replied (14)……… The
mother advised him (15) ............. Suraj told his mother (16)……… and requested her (17) ………

12. a) he seems so tired

b) he seemed so tired
c) he has seemed so tired
d) he had seemed so tired

13. a) to take some rest.

b) that he took some rest.
c) if he took some rest.
d) that he had taken some rest.

14. a) that he could not even think of relaxing as he has lots of homework to do.
 b) whether he could not even think of relaxing as he had lots of homework to do.
c) if he could not even think of relaxing as he would have lots of homework to do.
d) that he could not even think of relaxing as he had lots of homework to do.

15. a) to not take so much of stress

b) do not take so much of stress
c) did not take so much of stress
d) not to take so much of stress

16. a) don’t worry

b) to not worry
c)had not worried
d) not to worry

17. a) to give him a hot cup of tea.

b) please give him a hot cup of tea.
c) if she gave him a hot cup of tea.
d) if she had given him a hot cup of tea.

E. Pig: See how strong and hefty I am. Even Jumbo was afraid of me.
Animals: Jumbo, was it out of horror?
Jumbo: I could have happily crushed the dirty pig under my heels but I avoided it so
that I do not become dirty.

The jaunty pig said (18)…….. He further added (19)…….. All the animals enquired of Jumbo if
that had been out of horror. Jumbo replied that he could have happily crushed the dirty pig under
his heels but he (20)……..

18. a) if he was very strong and hefty

b) that he had been very strong and hefty
c) that he was very strong and hefty
d) whether he had been very strong and hefty
 19. a) that even Jumbo was afraid of him.
b) if even Jumbo had been afraid of him.
c) that even Jumbo had been afraid of him.
d) that even Jumbo would be afraid of him.

20. a) avoided it so that he did not become dirty.

b) had avoided it so that he had not become dirty.
c) had avoided it so that he did not become dirty.
d) avoided it so that he had not become dirty.

Answers
I.

1. b) she would invite me to her

2. a) that my aunt didn’t need an operation.

3. c) that she had seen that movie.

4. d) that he had been waiting for her but she hadn’t come.

5. c) that he had never been there before.

6. a) that Sheetal had been living in Paris for a few months.

7. a) that they would help if they could.

8. c) that she hadn't have time to do her homework.

9. a) that the boss must sign the letter.

10. c) that she had gone to the cinema the previous day.

11. c) where she would stay.

12. c) if I'd eaten all the cake.

13. a) how often I used public transport.

14. b) whether we'd seen the parade.

15. b) when she had last spoken.

16. a) what I'd been doing at the time.

17. c) if she could walk yet.

18. c) to have the party outside.

19. b) to say hello to Jim.

20. c) not to try that at home.

II.
A. 1. b) why she was looking very worried
2. a) her exams were approaching.
3. c) when they would start.

B. 4. c) that he was going to jungle.

5. a) why he was going to jungle.
6. d) he had been banished for fourteen years by father.
7. b) if she could go with him.
8. d) to stay at home to take care

C. 9. b) honesty is the best policy

10. a) if honesty always paid
11. d) that it might or might not

D. 12. b) he seemed so tired

13. a) to take some rest.
14. d) that he could not even think of relaxing as he had lots of homework to do.
15. d) not to take so much of stress
16. d) not to worry
17. a) to give him a hot cup of tea.
E. 18. c) that he was very strong and hefty
19. c) that even the Jumbo had been afraid of him.
20. c) had avoided it so that he did not become dirty.

Determiner

‘Determiner’ is a word used before a noun to indicate which things or people we are talking about.
The words ‘a’, ‘the‘, ‘my’, ‘this’, ‘some’, ‘many’, etc. are called determiners:

● He is a good boy.
● The boy you met is my friend.
● This novel is very interesting.
● I have some information about the accident.
● There were many people at the station.

. Pre-determiners:
Pre-determiners are the words which occur before a determiner to limit the meaning of a noun:

● All the boys joined the race.

● You will get all the information.
● He drank half of the milk.
● She stayed there all of the time.
● Both the boys were present.
. Articles:

The article system in English consists of the definite article ‘the’ and the indefinite article ‘a’ or
‘an’. We can think of nouns in a specific or general way. When we refer to particular people or
things or something that has already been mentioned or can be understood, we use the definite
article ‘the’. When we refer to singular nouns for the first time, or refer to things in a general way,
we use the indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’.
! The Definite Article ‘The’:
1. We can use the definite article before any common noun:

● He threw the ball into the river.

● The boys were not in the class.

2. We use the definite article to refer to specific persons or things:

● I want to meet the principal in the school.

● The tourists crossed the river in a boat.

3. The definite article is used to refer to the things that are only one in the world:

● The moon and stars were shining in the sky.

● The sun sets in the west.
● The earth revolves round the sun.

1.The article system in English consists of the definite article ‘the’ and the indefinite article ‘a’ or
‘an’. We can think of nouns in a specific or general way. When we refer to particular people or
things or something that has already been mentioned or can be understood, we use the definite
article ‘the’. When we refer to singular nouns for the first time, or refer to things in a general way,
we use the indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’.

● He is a European.
● This is a unique idea.
● Theirs is a one-parent family.
● He is teaching at a university.

2. We use ‘an’ before words which begin with a vowel sound:

● The girl bought an orange.

● He is an Indian.
● He had an umbrella in his hand.

3. Some words begin with a silent So we use ‘an’ before them:

● He is an honest man.
● He is an heir to the throne.
● I met him an hour ago.

4. We use ‘a’ or ‘an’ before singular countable nouns:

 ● Kolkata is a big city.
● The dog is an animal.

5. We use ‘a’ or ‘on’ before the names of occupations and professions:

● His father is an engineer.

● He is a pilot.

6. When we use ‘a’ before ‘little’ and few’, there is a change in the meaning of these words. ‘A few’
is used with plural countable nouns, and ‘a little’ with uncountable nouns. ‘Few’ means not many,
while ‘a few’ means a small number. ‘Little’ means not much, while ‘a little’ means some:

● Few people visit this temple now.

● I know a few students of this school.
● There is little water in the bucket.
● There is a little milk in the bottle.

7. We use ‘a’, ‘an’ before an adjective in a noun phrase:

● She is a good girl.

● She told me an interesting story.

8. We use ‘an’ with abbreviations beginning with the following letters: A, E, F, H, I, L, M, N, O, R,

S, X (They should have vowel sounds).
For example:

● His father is an M.P.

● He is an N.R.I.
● She got an X-Ray done.

9. We use the indefinite article before certain nouns considered as a single unit:

● She bought a knife and fork.

● The old lady had a cup and saucer in her hand.

10. The definite article is used to refer to familiar things we use regularly:

● She looked at the ceiling.

● Suddenly the lights went out.

11. The definite article is used before dates or periods of time:

● We met on the 15th of October.

● It is a popular music of the 1940s.

12. The definite article is generally used before a noun which is followed by ‘of ‘:

● This led to the destruction of the whole village.

● The burning of houses rendered people homeless.
13. The definite article is used before the names of seas, rivers, deserts, mountains,

● The ship crossed the Pacific Ocean.

● Delhi stands on the banks of the Yamuna.

14. The definite article is used before the names of large public buildings:

● They visited the Taj Mahal.

● They went to the Town Hall.

15. The definite article is used before the superlative adjectives:

● He is the best boy in the class.

● She is the most beautiful girl in the school.

16. The definite article is used before adjectives such as rich, poor, deaf, dumb, blind, to use them
as nouns:

● The rich and the poor went to the fair.

● We should help the blind.

17. We use the definite article before the nationals of a country or continent:

● The Indians are very religious.

● Some of the Europeans live here.

18. We use the definite article before the names of trains and ships:

● The Rajdhani Express is a very fast train.

● The Queen Elizabeth is a famous ship.

Demonstratives: This, These, That, Those

The demonstrative determiners are used to talk about persons or things that have already been
mentioned.
This and These refer to the things that are near and can be seen. ‘That’ and ‘Those‘ are used to refer
to the things that are at a distance but can be seen.

● We lived in this house for four years.

● She bought these books.
● Those boys are very mischievous.
● I like this school.
● I met her this week.

This’ and ‘that’ are used for singular nouns and ‘these’ and ‘those’ for plural nouns.

● Can you lift that box?

● Would you like to buy those books?
● These boys have done their work.
 ● I have already met that man.

Possessives: My, our, your, his, her, its, their. The possessives are used to show possession.

● He is my uncle.
● Our neighbour is a rich man.
● Your daughter is beautiful.
● What is her age?
● What is his name?
● Do you know its value?
● Their house is very big.

Ordinals: first, second, next, last, etc.

● The ordinals show what position something has in a series:

● He is the first boy who has joined this school.
● I shall meet him the next week.
● He is the last man to help you.

Cardinals: one, two, three, hundred

Cardinals are ordinary numbers like one, two, three, etc. They show how many of something there
are:

● There were only ten boys in the class.

● She lived for eighty years.
● He has two daughters.
● I met three young men at the station.
● He balanced himself on one foot.

Quantifiers: much, some, several, a lot of, both, all, etc.

The quantifiers refer to the quantity of things or amount of something.

● There were some people at the airport.

● They had enough guests already.
● Plenty of people would like to have your job.
● All children enjoyed the show.
● They didn’t make much progress.
● There was little water in the jug.
● There is no milk in the bottle.
● It has not made any difference to me.
● There is enough powder in the can.
● He drank a lot of water.
● I have forgotten some of the details.

Distributives: each, every, either, neither.

Distributive determiners refer to each single member of a group.
1. Each is used when we talk about the members of a group individually and every when we make a
general statement. Both are followed by a singular countable noun:

● He met each guest.

 ● The minister visited every flood-affected area.
● I agree with every word he says.
● Each request will be considered.

Either is used to talk about two things, but usually indicates that only one of the two is involved.

● Either of the two girls should come here.

2. Neither is the negative of either:

● Neither member came to attend the meeting.

3. Either can also mean

● People stood in either side (both sides) of the road.

● Neither is followed by a singular noun.

4. Neither boy said anything.

● Neither answer is correct.

Interrogatives: what, which, whose, etc.

The interrogative determiners are used for asking questions:

● What subjects are you studying?

● Which colour do you like the most?
● Whose house is this?

Exercise

Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.

1. books are missing from the library. (Any, Some)

2. She has not solved…………….. sums, (many, any)
3. This book is mine but…………….. is yours, (that, any)
4. ……… boys have done their work. (That, These)
5. He didn’t make……….. progress, (much, many)
6. He has forgotten…………………… of the details, (some, many)
7. The District Magistrate visited…………………. flood affected area, (every, either)
8. ………….. villa is this? (Whose, What)
9. He is the…………… boy who has joined this gym. (first, whose)
10. I met her…………… week, (this, those)
11. We have only ………………. minutes to spare. (few / a few)
12. He is famous for being ……………. rich. (very / much)
13. There weren’t ……………… people who followed the teaching of Socrates. (much /
many / very / some)
14. Though most of the seats have been filled, …………….. are still left. (some / any /
much)
15. I am sorry, there aren’t …………………… good restaurants in this town. (any /
some)
16. It did not rain …………….. last year and the crops failed. (much / many)
 17. I have never experienced so ……………….. (hot summer / hot a summer)
18. The children were told to wash ……………. hands. (they / their)
19. She thanked me for ……………. gift I gave her. (a / the / an)
20. Not …………… people can afford to buy a car these days. (many / any / some)

Answer :

1. Some.
2. many.
3. that.
4. These.
5. much.
6. some.
7. every.
8. Whose.
9. first.
10. this.

11.a few
12.very .
13. many
14.some
15.any
16.much
17.so hot a summer.
18.their
19.the
20.many

Exercise

Q.1 Fill in the blanks using suitable determiners.

Bon Appetit – With Flowers

Flowers are not only beautiful and fragrant, they are often also edible. Indians have always relished
eating flowers and (a) …………………………… (some/one) of the delicacies of Bengali cuisine is
fritters made of pumpkin flowers. (b) …………………………… (one/another) flower widely eaten
in the north-east is the banana flower which is made into a number of dishes.

Today, eating flowers is catching on in a big way. Apart from the cauliflower and broccoli, there
are (c) …………………………… (various/some) other edible flowers too. In (d)
…………………………… (any/some) western countries, crystallized flowers are used as
decoration for cakes and puddings. Lavender flowers have (e) ……………………………
(much/many) uses. They are used for making lavender water as well as in custards and ice
creams.(f) …………………………… (many/any) herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil are used
for garnishing and flavor.

Answer:
(a) one
(b) Another
(c) various
(d) some
(e) many
(f) Many

Q.2 In the following sentences, fill in the blanks with one of the following determiners.

Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. More than one answer is possible in certain cases.
(a) Do you remember ………………….. of the questions asked in the interview?
(b) I know very ………………….. about him.
(c) Shakespeare wrote ………………….. plays.
(d) ………………….. citizen should vote.
(e) She has not bought ………………….. new books recently.
(f) ………………….. one can go and collect the prize.
(g) I collected all the marbles but I think ………………….. are still left.
(h) ………………….. watches have you got?
(i) ………………….. trees were cut yesterday.
(j) These cheques can be deposited in ………………….. branch of the bank.
(k) ………………….. vehicle is parked in front of of gate?
(l) They have planted trees on ………………….. side of the road.(m) It was not a good match
………………….. team played well.
(n) ………………….. side of the square has the same length.

Answer:
(a) some/any
(b) little
(c) many/several
(d) Every
(e) any
(f) Every
(g) a few
(h) How many
(i) Many/A few/ Few/ Some
(j) any
(k) Whose
(l) either
(m) neither
(n) Each

GRAMMAR EXERCISE -1
1. (i) Read the following conversation and fill the blanks by choosing the correct
option: (8 Marks )

Boy Mom ,I want to buy some new colour for myself.

Mother you don’t keep your things properly. Last month only, I bought you two new
packs of colours.
 Boy Mom, I have used them all. You know I love drawing and colouring.

Mother you can buy one colour box for yourself and after going home I would love to
see what all you have drawn and coloured.

A boy said to his mother that ……1…….. some new colours for himself. The mother angrily
replied that …….2…… keep his things properly and …..3…….him two new packs of colours
……4……only.To this, the boy replied …….5……..he had……6……them all. He further told
his mother that……7……. that he loved drawing and colouring. The mother told the boy that
he….8……buy one colour box for himself and that after going home she would love to see
what all he had drawn and coloured.

1. A) he wants to buy
B) he wanted to buy
C) you want to buy
D) he had wanted to buy

2. A) you don’t
B) he doesn’t
C) he didn’t
D) he wasn’t

3. A) she has bought him

B) he has bought him
C) you had been bought him
D) she had bought him

4. A) the last month

B) the previous month

C) the next month

D) the following month

5. A) this
B) that

C) these

D) those

6. A) using

B) use

C) uses
 D) used

7. A) she knew

B) she is knowing

C) he knew

D) she had known

8. A) can

B) should

C) would

D) could

1. (ii) Fill in the blanks choosing the correct option given below: (4 Marks)

In 1911, the British …..1……their capital from Calcutta …..2…… Delhi. After the First World
War, …….3…….government got down the task of building ….4….. New capital.

1. A) shifts
B) shifting
C) shifted
D) was shifting

2. A) to
B) from
C) on
D) on

3. A) a
B) an
C) on
D) the

4. A) the
 B) a
C) an
D) in

GRAMMAR EXERCISE -2

2. (i) Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate option given below: (6 Marks)

Children………. all the time, drawing the elders into the fray. The neighbor’s son …2…..pick a
flower or a fruit from your garden and …3……argument may erupt. Again, he may throw his ball
…4….your window pane, damaging it. These are not unnatural so far as the younger one
….5……concerned but it is for the elders to ….6……them with equanimity.

1. A) quarrel
B) quarrels
C) quarreling
D) quarreled

2. A) may
B) might
C) must
D) should

3. A) a
B) the
C) an
D) some

4. A) of
B) at
C) from
D) over

5. A) was
B) is
C) has
D) will

6. A) see
B) watch
C) look
D) view

2. (ii) Fill the blanks choosing the correct option from the ones given after each:
 (6 Marks)

1. She …….go to a doctor. She is well now. .

A) needn’t
B) hadn’t
C) doesn’t
D) won’t
2. she ……….. me when I was not at home.
A) phoned
B) phones
C) will phone
D) has phoned

3. ‘The Three Musketeers’ ……. A very good book.

A) are
B) is
C) was
D) were

4. There are ……….books on the desk.

A) some
B) much
C) large
D) little

5. He could not solve ……question.

A) none
B) some
C) many
D) any

6. This news …….not true.

A) has
B) is
C) are
D) were
 Grammar Exercise No. 3
Fill in the blanks choosing the correct option from the ones given after each:

1. He …………. to play football before his marriage.

(a) used to

(b) is used

(c) was used

(d) had used

2. He ………… not pay unless he is compelled.

(a) shall

(b) will

(c) dare

(d) can

3. I’m afraid that I……….. play tennis tomorrow. I’ve got dentist’s appointment.

(a) wouldn’t

(b) would not be able to

(c) can’t

(d) couldn’t

4. No English teacher…………. to the school till nowadays.

(a) were appointed

(b) had been appointed

(c) was appointed

(d) has been appointed

5. I ………. late for school again this morning. The teacher was not happy.

(a) arrived
 (b) am arriving

(c) arrive

(d) have arrived

6. I couldn’t find out what……….

(a) has happened

(b) happens

(c) had happened

(d) will happen

7. Before this year, I …………. move out of my parent’s house because I did not have a job.

(a) may not

(b) shouldn’t

(c) couldn’t

(d) cannot

8. When he ………….. her as a cheater, she ………….. him to the headmaster.

(a) called / complained

(b) has called / complains

(c) called / had complained

(d) had called / complained

9. He said, “I like this song.”

He said that ………………

(a) he liked this song

(b) he likes this song

(c) he liked that song

(d) he was like that song

10. I listened ………….. story of her life with great attention.

(a) all

(b) whole

(c) few

(d) the
11. Can you give me …………… more of this dish?

(a) any

(b) many

(c) some

(d) few

12. ………….. of the guests arrived late.

(a) All

(b) Whole

(c) Each

(d) Every

Grammar Exercise No. 4

Fill in the blanks choosing the correct option from the ones given after each:

1. You …………. Work hard to win a scholarship.

(a) might

(b) would

(c) could

(d) should

2. In recent decades, the efficiency of United Nations …………. by a growing number of

countries.

(a) had been questioned

(b) will have been questioned

(c) has been questioned

(d) would be questioned

3. Sometimes he …………. bring me some flowers.

(a) would

(b) might

(c) may
 (d) should

4. Students …………. allowed to manage the bookstore soon.

(a) were to be

(b) will be

(c) need to be

(d) should have been.

5. She invited me to dinner. But it ……….. two years since I …………. To her house . So I lost

my way.

(a) was / had gone

(b) had been / went

(c) is / have been

(d) is / went

6. I …………..move the table, It was too heavy.

(a) mustn’t

(b) wouldn’t

(c) shouldn’t

(d) couldn’t

7. A new hotel ………… in the centre of town.

(a) is building

(b) built

(c) is built

(d) is being built

8. I said to him, “ why are you working so hard?”

I asked him …………

(a) Why he was working so hard.

(b) If he was working so hard.

(c) Why was he working so hard.

(d) Why had he been working so hard.

9. He said, “I am leaving for Delhi.”

 He said that ………….

(a) he has been leaving for Delhi.

(b) he is leaving for Delhi.

(c) I was leaving for Delhi.

(d) he was leaving for Delhi.

10. Although ………….. of the lawn is open to the sun, there are plenty of shade trees to make it

comfortable.

(a) every

(b) each

(c) most

(d) none

11. She took ……….. books with her while going on holding but she ready only a few of them

during her stay.

(a) much

(b) none

(c) plenty

(d) a lot of

12. We could barely get any information at the airport ………… people seemed to have ……….

idea about the flights.

(a) only a few / some

(b) a lot of / any

(c) many / any

(d) few / no

Answers
Grammar Exercise No. 1
1.(i) 1. Wanted to buy
2. he didn’t
3. she had bought him
4. the previous month
5. that
6. used
7. she knew
 8. could

1.(ii) 1. Shifted
2. to
3. the
4. a

Grammar Exercise No. 2

2.(i) 1. Quarrel
2. may
3. an
4. at
5. is
6. view

2.(ii) 1. Needn’t

2. phoned

3. is

4. some

5. any

6. is

Grammar Exercise No. 3

1. (a) used to

2. (b) will

3. (c) can’t

4. (d) has been appointed

5. (a) arrived

6. (c) had happened

7. (c) could not

8. (d) had called / complained

9. (c) he liked that song

10. (d) the

11. (c) some

12. (a) all

Grammar Exercise No. 4

1. (d) should

2. (c) has been questioned

3. (a) would

4. (b) will be

5. (a) was / had gone

6. (d) couldn’t

7. (c) is built

8. (a) why he was working so hard

9. (d) he was leaving for Delhi

10. (c) most

11. (d) a lot of

12. (a) only a few / some

The Fun They Had

VALUE POINTS:

● The story is in the future year 2157.

● Tommy is 13 years and Margie is 11 years old.
● Tommy finds an old book made of paper which is centuries old in the attic.
● Tommy and Margie read only on the computer screens.
● They are surprised to see the words on the yellow and crinkly pages of the book.
● They thought the book made of paper is a waste as they are to be thrown after use which is
not the case with the telebooks that they use.
● For both Tommy and Margie, the idea of turning the page in the real book seemed so absurd
and waste of time.
● Margie disliked the schools of her time and hated her mechanical teacher.
 ● Margie’s mechanical teacher developed some technical error.
● Margie’s mother noticed and called a County Inspector to repair it.
● The County Inspector repaired the Mechanical teacher in an hour with his advanced futuristic
equipments.
● Margie was disappointed because she had thought that she would get some time off.
● County Inspector told Margie’s mother that her low scores in the geography subject were due
to the faulty setting of the mechanical teacher.
● Tommy and Margie studied in the school at fixed hours.
● Tommy and Margie talked about the old school where the students would go to a special
building and study the same thing together.
● Tommy told Margie that humans used to teach the students.
● Margie was surprised to know that human teachers were smart enough to have such enormous
knowledge of subjects.
● Margie’s mother had told her that every child is different and it has different needs one teacher
teaching all the students in a building seemed and absurd yet enjoyable idea to her.
● Margie wanted to know more about the schools of the past.
● The mechanical teacher was teaching arithmetic but Margie was lost in her own thoughts on
the uniqueness of the schools of the past.

QUESTION 1: Answer the following questions in 20-30 words each.

a. What kind of teachers did Tommy and Margie have and did they like them?

Answer: The teachers of Margie and Tommy were different from the teachers of today. They were
robotic teachers. Margie and Tommy disliked like them.

b. Today Tommy found a real book! From where was the book found and why did it seem
different?

Answer: Tommy found an old book from the attic of his home. They studied on telebooks while it
was printed on paper so they found it to be different.

c. Who are Margie and Tommy? How old are they?

Answer: Margie and Tommy are students from the future year 2157. Tommy is a thirteen-year-old
boy and Margie is an eleven-year-old girl.

d. What is a telebook?

Answer: A telebook is a book on a digital screen. Many books can be stored and read in this manner.
 e. Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?

Answer: Margie’s school, was in her home itself, next to her bedroom. She did not have any
classmates.

QUESTION 2: Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each.

a. What things about the book did Margie find strange?

Answer: It was very strange for Margie to imagine that the words printed on a book stood still instead
of moving the way they did on a screen. She also found it hard to imagine that the words on the pages
always remained the same as the first time they were read.

b. Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?

Answer: Margie had been given many tests in geography by the mechanical teacher, but there was
no progress in her performance. Her scores kept getting worse and worse. It is for this very reason
that Margie’s mother sent for the County Inspector to discover why this was happening to her in
Geography.

c. How did Tommy describe the old kind of teachers?

Answer: Tommy said that the teachers in the past were humans, who taught the students inside a
special building called school where the students came regularly. The teachers taught the children in
groups and gave them homework and asked them questions about different topics.

d. What did Margie hate the most about her school?

Answer: The part that Margie hated the most about her school was the period where she had to submit
her homework and test papers. She always had to write them in a punch code that she was made to
learn at the age of six.

e. What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?

Answer: Once, Tommy’s mechanical teacher had developed a major fault and its history section had
blanked out absolutely and didn’t respond. The teacher had to be taken away for repairs and it had
taken almost a month to put it in order.

QUESTION 3: Answer the following questions in 100-120 words each.

 a. Why did Margie dislike school? Why did she think the old kind of school was fun?

Answer: Margie disliked the school as it was not fun to study on the screen. She had got bored of her
teacher. She had been doing badly in the geography tests that her teacher had been giving her. She
expected that the county inspector would remove the mechanical instructor.
She didn’t like the way that she had to write her answers in a punch code. She believed that the old
kind of school must have been fun as she imagined children meeting up, laughing and having fun.
They would sit together in the classroom and go home together. They would do similar things and
could help each other with the homework and discuss it. The educators were also humans. All these
thoughts made her to believe that the old schools must have been enjoyable.

b. Do you agree that schools today are better than the schools in the story? Give reasons for your
answer.

Answer: After reading the story, I think if the school is at home, the children do not have to walk or
drive so far and this saves time and money but we lose an opportunity for social contact. Pupils solve
problems together, very important for the later life and the development of a child and a human
teacher is definitely a better educator.
An advantage of a mechanical teacher is that the mechanical teacher can be geared to the mental level
of the student. Different styles of learning of students can be addressed using mechanical teacher and
technology but the same level of understanding cannot be achieved as with the human teacher.

QUESTION 4: Read the extracts from the chapter carefully and answer the following questions.

a. “Today Tommy found a real book!”

It was a very old book. Margie’s grandfather once said that when he was a little boy his
grandfather told him that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper.

i. Who are Margie and Tommy?

1. Classmates
2. Friends
3. Siblings
4. Mechanical Teachers
Answer: 2. Friends

ii. Where had Tommy found the book?

1. Playground
2. Attic of Tommy’s House
3. Attic of Margie’s House
 4. Library
Answer: 2. Attic of Tommy’s House

iii. What is meant by ‘real book’ in the chapter?

1. Online book
2. E book
3. Paper book
4. Television book
Answer: 3. Paper book

iv. Who told Margie about such a book?

1. Grandmother
2. Grandfather
3. Tommy
4. Margie’s mother
Answer: 2. Grandfather

v. How did Margie feel when Tommy found a real book?

1. Sad
2. Happy
3. Funny
4. Surprised
Answer: 4. Surprised
b. Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher
had been giving her test after test in geography and she had been doing worse and worse until
her mother had shaken her head sorrowfully and sent for the County Inspector.
i. Margie has been scoring badly in
1. History
2. Maths
3. Science
4. Geography
Answer: 4. Geography
ii. The Teacher of Margie was
1. Human
2. Mechanical
Answer: 2. Mechanical
iii. With the passage of time Margie started liking her school. (True/False)
1. True
 2. False
Answer: 2. False
iv. The word in the passage which is opposite of the word ‘gladly’ is
1. Sorrowfully
2. Faithfully
3. Happily
4. Sleepy
Answer: 1. Sorrowfully
v. Why was the county inspector called?
1. Routine Check
2. Margie was scoring badly in geography
3. Margie’s mother wanted him to meet Margie
4. To read the telebook.
Answer: 2. Margie was scoring badly in geography

QUESTION 5: Read the following questions and choose the correct option.

a. . How much time was taken to repair Tommy’s teacher?

1. 15 days
2. 25 days
3. 30 days
4. 20 days
Answer: 30 days
b. Whose father knew as much as a teacher?
1. Tommy
2. Margie
3. Blair
4. Evelyn
Answer: 1. Tommy
c. How many subjects are mentioned in this chapter
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
Answer: 3
d. Margie was disappointed because they
1. They took away the mechanical teacher
2. They didn’t take away the mechanical teacher
3. Asked Margie to leave the house.
4. Asked Tommy to go and study
Answer: . 2. They didn’t take away the mechanical teacher
e. Margie wrote her answers in
1. English
2. Russian
3. Punch Code
4. Morse Code
Answer: Punch Code
f. The county inspector had a whole box of
1. Tools and chocolates
2. Tools with dials and wires
3. Pins
4. Tools and computers
Answer: Tools with dials and wires
g. The age of Tommy is
1. 10
2. 12
3. 14
4. 13
Answer : 4.13
h. Margie’s school was right beside
1. Restroom
2. Guest room
3. Bedroom
4. Playroom
Answer: 3. Bedroom
i. Which of these subjects were not studied by Margie and Tommy
1. Geography
2. History
3. Arithmetic
4. Botany
Answer: 4. Botany
 j. What did Margie write in her diary?
1. Today, Tommy found a real book
2. Today I found a real book
3. Today I scored badly in geography
4. Today I am bored of my teacher.
Answer: 1.Today, Tommy found a real book.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC PART –I

EVELYN GLENNIE LISTENS TO SOUND WITHOUT HEARING IT

THEME & MESSAGE

This chapter deals with two different musicians, Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, the
underlying theme is almost the same. The writer Deborah Cowley, wants to convey the fact that
hard work, complete dedication to excel in one’s field, despite obstacles, are the essential attributes
of great persons. It is amazing to know how Evelyn Glennie, in spite of her deafness, becomes the
world’s most wanted percussionist and has mastery over 1000 instruments. Evelyn is a perfect
example that disability can not stop a person to achieve if he / she is determined and works hard
towards it. Evelyn earned many awards and rewards. She has given enormous pleasure to millions.

SUMMARY

Evelyn Glennie is a multi - percussionist. She can play about one thousand instruments with
perfection. She listens to sound without hearing it. She fought against physical disability and
became a source of inspiration for thousands of disabled persons. She was profoundly deaf. She
was eleven years old when it was discovered that she had the hearing disability. She wanted to
pursue her career in music but her teachers discouraged her. It was Ron Forbes who recognised her
potential and supported her in achieving her goal. He advised her not to listen through her ears but
try to sense it in some other way. Soon, she was excited. She felt the vibrations of the higher drum
from the waist up, and the lower drum from the waist down. Later, realised that she could feel the
vibrations in every part of the body. These tingled in her skin, her cheekbones and even in her hair.
She had learnt to open her body and mind to the sounds and vibrations. After that, she never looked
back. She joined the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest marks in
the history of the academy. She worked with strong determination. She got right to the top. In 1991,
she was presented with the children. Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Soloist of the year
Award. Apart from the regular concerts, Evelyn gives free concerts in prisons and hospitals. She is
a shining inspiration for deaf children. She has earned name in orchestra. She has inspired those
who are handicapped and made them believe that if Evelyn could do that, why not they.

CHARACTERS

1.EVELYN GLENNIE
Evelyn Glennie is a famous Scottish percussionist. She gradually lost her hearing and became deaf.
She was a very determined girl. She decided to play Xylophone. She learnt to hear not through her
ears but through the other organs of her body. She joined an orchestra first and then b her began to
give solo performances. She is a dedicated and hardworking person. She has mastered about 1000
instruments. She has learnt French and Japanese also. She is a workaholic. She gives free concerts
in schools. She has become a source of inspiration for deaf children.

EXTRACT BASED COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

(1) Read the extract and answer the questions by choosing the appropriate option. Rush hour
crowds jostle for position on the underground train platform. A slight girl, looking younger
than her seventeen years, was nervous yet excited as she felt the vibrations of the
approaching train. It was her first day at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in
London and daunting enough for any teenager fresh from a Scottish farm. But, this aspiring
musician faced a bigger challenge than most: she was profoundly deaf.
(i) Why was there a jostling on the platform?
(a)There was a bomb scare
(b) It was the rush hour
(c) Presence of an actress
(d) A celebrity was travelling

(ii) Why was the girl nervous?

(a) It was her first show

(b) First music competition
(c) It was her first day at Royal Academy of Music
(d) Travelling by train for the first time

(iii)How old was Evelyn when she went to Royal Academy of music?

(a) Teenager
(b) Twelve
(c) Sixteen
(d) Seventeen

(iv) What was the most challenging thing for the girl?

(a) Financial problem

(b) Loss of her parents
(c) Her deafness
(d) No music teacher

(v) The word ‘jostling’ as used in the passage means…..

(a)exploit

(b) bump against each other

(c) push

(d) conflict
 Ans. (i)(b) It was the rush hour

(ii)(c) IT was her first day at Royal Academy of Music

(iii)(d) Seventeen

(iv) (c) her deafness

(v)(b) bump against each other

(2). As for music, she explains, “IT pours in through every part of my body. It tingles in my skin,
my cheekbones and even in my hairs.” When she plays the xylophone, she can sense the sound
passing up the sticks into her fingertips. By leaning against the drums. She can feel the resonances
flowing into her body. On a wooden platform she removes her shoes so that the vibrations pass
through her bare feet and up her legs.

(i) How did Evelyn ‘hear’ the music inspite of deafness?

(a) Felt it through different body parts

(b) By talking about it

(c) By reading about it

(d) Through constant practice

(ii) Why does Evelyn remove her shoes on a wooden platform?

(a) To show respect

(b) To feel the vibration
(c) To dance
(d) To act

(iii)The word ‘tingle’ as used in the passage means.

(a) Touches
(b) Shiver
(c) Experience a sensation
(d) Sting

(iv)How does Evelyn’s story inspire others.

(a) pursue your dream

(b) never give up

(c) Be hopeful

(d) All the above

(v) How does she feel the resonance flowing into her body?

(a) By the drum

(b) against the drum

 (c) at the platform

(d) By leaning against the drum

Ans. (i) (a) Felt it through different body parts

(ii)(b) To feel the vibration

(iii)(c) experience a sensation

(iv)(d) All the above

(v)(d) By leaning against the drum

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (20-30 words)

Q1. When and how was Evelyn’s hearing problem was noticed?

Ans. Evelyn was only eight years old when hearing problem was noticed by her mother. Her loss of
hearing was gradual. One day she was waiting to play the piano. Her name was called but she did
not seem to hear.

Q2. When was Evelyn’s deafness confirmed?

Ans. Evelyn’s deafness was gradual. By the time she was eleven, her marks had deteriorated. Her
teachers advised her parents to take her to a specialist. The specialist advised her that she should be
fitted with hearing aids and sent to a school for the deaf.

Q3. Who was Ron Forbes and what did he do?

Ans. Ron Forbes was a master percussionist and he encouraged Evelyn to play the two large drums
to different notes. He wanted Evelyn to hear the music not through ear but through her body. He
helped her to hear the music inspite of her deafness.

Q4. How did Evelyn become able to sense different notes?

Ans. Evelyn became able to sense different notes by opening her body and mind to sounds and
vibrations. She can sense resonances of music flowing into her body. She used to stand barefoot so
that she could sense the vibrations easily.

Q5. What did Evelyn say about her sensing the music?

Ans. Evelyn said that the music poured in through every part of her body. Music tingled in her skin
and in her cheek bones. She could hear it the other way by sensing the vibrations.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS. (40-50 words)

Q1. Why did Evelyn use to remove her shoes on a wooden platform?

Ans. On a wooden platform Evelyn used to remove her shoes so that she could sense the vibration
passing though her bare feet. With shoes, she could not get the vibrations properly and therefore
would not be able to feel the music. She wanted to feel the vibrations by her skin, by her
cheekbones and even by her hairs.

Q2. How was Evelyn able to express music so beautifully?

Ans. Evelyn was able to express music beautifully because she was able to feel it far more deeply
than others. Others can only hear music by ears but Evelyn can sense music through her body. She
was able to feel the vibrations in her body. By leaning against the drum she used to feel the
resonance flowing into her body. She can also sense the sound passing up the stick into her
fingertips.

Q3. Why was Evelyn nervous while going to Royal Academy of Music?

Ans. She was seventeen years old. She was from Scottish Farms. She was profoundly deaf. When
she came to Royal Academy of music in London. It was a big challenge for her. But she scored the
highest marks in the history of the academy. She was one of the most brilliant students of the
academy and won many top awards during her three years course.

Q4. Why did Evelyn say, “Men with bushy beards give mee trouble”?

Ans. Evelyn could understand what others were saying by reading the movements of lips and by
watching faces and eyes. It was difficult for her to read the movement of lips of the men with bushy
breads. She jokingly says that men with bushy beards gave her troubles.

Q 5. What is Evelyn’s message for the people?

Ans. Evelyn was gifted with strong determination and hard work. She became a source of
inspiration to her audience. She had delighted millions of people with her performance. Her
message is, sincerity and honesty lead to success. Strong determination and hard work make any
impossible work possible.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (100-120 WORDS)

Q1. How was Evelyn Glennie able to become the world’s most wanted percussionist? What are her
achievements?

Ans. Evelyn Glennie is the world’s most popular percussionist. It is amazing to know that a deaf
person like her could become a great musician. She was determined to play Xylophone, which she
learnt very well. She joined an orchestra and then moved to become a solo performer. She had
achieved a lot in life. She has mastery over about 1000 musical instruments. She speaks Scottish
fluently. She has learnt French Japanese also. It 1991 she was awarded the Soloist of the year
Award, the most famous award of the Royal Philharmonic Society. She works very hard and gives
her performances in many places. She gives free concert in school and hospitals. For deaf children
she has become a symbol of success and a source of inspiration.

Q2. Even a deaf person can become the world’s most wanted percussionist? How did Evelyn
achieve this glory? How does her life inspire the physically challenged person?

Ans. The world belongs to those who accept who accept the challenges and defy all odds in their
life. In this way Evelyn Glennie is a shining example and an abundant source of inspiration to all
those who have the fire to attain something significant in life. It is generally seen that the people
begin to blame their lot and curse the god for their handicaps. But the really determined persons
like Evelyn carve their own place in society by determination, hard work and devotion. With her
dedication to music, she persevered hard and spared no pains to become the world’s most wanted
percussionist. In this way she has become a source of encouragement and inspiration to all those
who wish to overcome their disabilities and attain something worthwhile in life.
 QUIZ

Q1. Why was Evelyn taken to a specialist?

(a) To cure her deafness

(b) To assess her hearing impairment
(c) To check her eyesight
(d) To check her mental fitness

Ans.(b) TO assess her hearing impairment.

Q2. What was Evelyn’s determination?

(a) To go to a normal school

(b) To pursue interest in Music
(c) To study non stop
(d) To go toa special school

Ans. (b)To pursue interest in Music.

Q3. Who was the first to notice Evelyn’s potential?

(a) Her school teacher

(b) Evelyn’s mother
(c) Percussionist Ron Forbes
(d) Evelyn’s friends

Ans. (c) Percussionist Ron Forbes.

Q4. How did Evelyn sense the music inspite of her deafness?

(a) Through smell

(b) Through different parts of her body
(c) Through her eyes
(d) Through her brain

Ans. (b) Through her different body parts.

Q5. What history did Evelyn cerat for Royal Academy of Music?

(a) She became top performer

(b) Scored highest marks ever
(c) Decided to open an academy
(d) Received many awards

Ans (b) Scored highest marks ever.

Q6. What has Evelyn gained by the end of her three year course?

(a) Patience
(b) Perseverance
(c) Winning all top awards
(d) Making lots of money
Ans. (c) Winning all top awards

Q7. How does Evelyn’s story inspire others?

(a) Pursue your dreams

(b) Never give up
(c) Be hopeful
(d) All the above

Ans. (d) All the above.

Q8. What extraordinary ability has God given to Evelyn?

(a) To see the music

(b) To hear music
(c) To feel music deeply
(d) To perform well

Ans. (c) To feel music deeply.

Q9. In what way Evelyn help others?

(a) By giving free concerts

(b) High priority to young musicians
(c) Donation to different organisations
(d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’

Ans. (d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’.

Q10. What did Evelyn confess?

(a) She enjoyed hard work

(b) She is a workaholic
(c) She wanted to relax
(d) She loved to hear Music

Ans. (b)She is workaholic.

THE SHEHNAI OF BISMILLAH KHAN

THEME AND MESSAGE

Bismillah Khan belonged to a poor and unknown family, made ‘shehnai’ a household name not
only in India but also abroad. His use of shehnai for various new, complicated rags is simply
fascinating. However, we should never forget his long practice for years at the humble instrument
and his unobtrusive dedication to music. Bismillah Khan is still among the galaxy of great
musicians. He worked hard and overcome many obstacles to reach the heights of glory. Hard work
and dedication to one’s cause or profession never waste.

SUMMARY
Emperor Aurangzeb banned playing pungi in the royal residence, as it has shrill and unpleasant
sound. A barber decide to improve it. He decided to play it. He made seven holes on its body. He
played the improved instrument before the royalty and everyone was impressed. In this way the
instrument was named ‘Shehnai’. The sound of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious. It is
still played in temples and in North Indian weddings. The credit for bringing the shehnai on to the
classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan. He belonged to a well known family of musicians
from Bihar. His grandfather, father and other paternal ancestors were also great shehnai players. So
he was attracted towards his uncle’s playing shehnai. He started accompanying his uncle and
practising throughout the day. The flowing water of the Ganga inspired him to put together and
create new ragas. The opening of All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938 became a big break for him.
When India gained independence on 15th August, 1947, Bismillah Kan became the first Indian to
greet the nation with his shehnai. Film director Vijay Bhatt was so impressed after hearing him plat
at a festival that he named a film after the instrument called ‘Gunj Uthi Shehnei’.

Bismillah Khan was honoured with many awards, He was the first Indian to perform at the Lincoln
Centre Hall in the USA. In 2001 he was honoured with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat
Ratna. Shehnai. He refused to leave Benaras for USA. Hisa life was a perfect example of the
secular tradition of Indian culture.

CHARACTER SKETCH

Bismillah Khan was a famous Shehnai player. He belonged to a family of shehnai players. He was
very hardworking and a dedicated soul. He devoted himself to have mastery over shehnai. He
created new ragas and performed in many national and international level concerts. He practiced
shehnai for years in Hindu temple. He was a symbol of age old tradition of secularism in India. His
achievements were recognized all over the world. He was honoured with the highest national
award,Bharat Ratna in 2001. He was a true patriote. When he was asked to settle in the USA, he
refused to leave Benaras and the atmosphere of River Ganga.

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

Q1. Read the given extract and answer the questions by choosing the correct option.

At the age of 14, Bismillah Khan accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad Music Conference. At
the end of his recital, Ustad Faiyaz Khan patted the young boy’s back and said, “Work hard and
you shall make it.” With the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938 came Bismillah’s
big break. He soon became an often heard shehnai player on radio.

When India gained Independence on 15th August, 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to
greet the nation with his shehnai. He poured his heart out into Raag Kafi from the Red Fort to an
audience which included Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, who later gave his famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’
speech.

(i)How did Ustad Faiyaz Khan encourage Bismillah Khan?

(a)By giving him an award
(b)Gave cash (c)Touched his
back in appreciation (d)Scolded him

(ii) Where did Bismillah Khan play Shehnai immediately after independence?

(a) At Nehru’s house

 (b) In Lucknow
(c) At Red Fort
(d) At Ramleela ground in Delhi

(iii)What does the expression ‘poured his heart out’mean?

(a) Sang aloud with Shehnai

(b) To share strong emotions
(c) Cry loudly
(d) Burst in tears

(iv) How is the opening of All India Radio important to Bissmillah Khan?

(a) He got his first break

(b) Got a job there
(c) He became famous
(d) Met Mr. Nehru

(v) What did the young Bismillah do in the Allahabad Music Conference?

(a) played

(b)patted

(c) laughed

(d) recital

Ans.(i)(c) Touched his back in appreciation

(ii)(c)At Red Fort

(iii)(b) To share strong emotions

(iv)(a) He got his first break

(v)(d) recital

Q2. Awards and recognition came thick and fast. Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to be
invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall in the United States of America. He also
took part in the World Exposition in Montreal, in Cannes Art festival and in the Osaka Trade Fair.
So well known did he become internationally that an auditorium in Tehran was named after him.
Tahar Mosiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan. National awards like the Padamashri,the Padama Bhushan
and the Padma Vibhushan were conferred on him.In 2001, Ustad Bismillah khan was awarded
India’s highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna.

(i)In which country an auditorium is named after Bismillah Khan?

(a) USA

(b) UK

(c)Scotland
(d) Teheran

(ii)Which highest civilian award was conferred on Bismillah Khan?

(a) Padma Vibhushan

(b) Padmashri
(c) Bharat Ratna
(d) Padma Bhushan

(iii) What does the expression” Awards came thick and fast”mean?

(a) In limited numbers

(b)Less appreciation

(c)Came rapidly and in large number

(d)Lots of cash awards

(iv) Why was Bismillah Khan called to USA?

(a)To open an academy

(b)To play Shehnai at White House

(c)To perform at prestigious Lincoln Centre

(d) To participate in a competition

(v) Which word means the same as’conferred’.

(a) invited

(b) prestigious

(c) consult

(d) exposition

Ans. (i)(d) Teheran

(ii)(c) Bharat Ratna

(iii)(c) came rapidly and in large numbers

(iv) (c)To perform at prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall

(v)(c) consult

Short Answer Questions (20 to 30 words.)

Q.1 Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of Pungi ?

Ans. Emperor Aurangzeb did not like the sound of pungi. He found it still an unpleasant. He
decided to ban its use in the royal residence full stop later on it was affected by a barber.

Q.2 How is Shehnai different from Pungi?

Ans. Shehnai is different from pungi. It is longer and broader than pungi. It is made of natural
hollow stem of Burma teak wood. It has seven holes in it. It is played by opening and closing some
of the holes. It is played on every auspicious occasion.

Q3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this practice?

Ans. Traditionally the shehnai was played only in temples and at marriages. It was confined to the
royal palaces alone. But this made it popular and brought it on the classical stage.

Q4. What was Bismillah Khan's achievement when he was just five years old?

And. Bismillah khan was fond of music right from his childhood. As a 5 year old child he used to
visit Bihari ji temple at Dumraon to sing Bhojpurj 'Chaita'. He used to sing so well that he was
awarded with a 1.25 kg laddu by the local Maharaj.

Q5. Why did bismillah khan stop scoring music for movies?

And. Bismillah khan gave music into movies i.e. 'Gunj Uthi Shehnai' and 'Sanadhi Apanna'. He was
not happy with his own work. He stopped scoring music for movies because he could not adjust
with the artificiality and glamour of the celluloid world.

Short Answer Question (40-50words)

Q1. Where was the Shehnai played traditionally ? How did Bismillah Khan change this ?

Ans . The shehnai was played traditionally in the temple of Vishnu at Varanasi. Bismillah Khan's
maternal uncle used to play the shehnai there. He practised playing shehnai in a different way. He
changed it by creating Raagas in its playing.

Q2. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break ?

Ans. Bismillah Khan got a big break when he became a popular shehnai player on All India Radio.
He earned name and fame.

Q3.Why did Bismillah Khan regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple in his childhood and what
did he earn ?
Ans. Bismillah Khan would regularly go to the Bihariji temple to sing Bhojpuri Chaita. He used to
earn a laddu weighing 1.25 kg. It was on behalf of the local Maharaja.

Q.4. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

Ans. Bismillah Khan refused to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A., because there was no Ganga
river. He visited U.S.A. on different occasions but missed seeing Hindustan.

Q.5. How did Bismillah Khan feel when he was honoured with the 'Bharat Ratna'?

Ans. Bismillah Khan felt extremely proud and happy when he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna.
It was the highest civilian award given to him. On this occasion he said, "Teach your children
music. This is Hindustan's richest tradition : even the west is now coming to learn our music".

Long Answer Questions (100-120words)

Q.1. Describe in brief the early life of Bismillah Khan, his achievements and the various awards
that were conferred on him in later years.

Ans. Born on march 21,1916, Bismillah Khan belonged to a family of professional Shehnai players.
At at the age of six, he moved to Banaras where his maternal uncle, Ali Bux, introduced him to the
nuances spelling of playing the simple instrument called the shehnai. He got the best performer
award at the All India music conference in Allahabad in 1930. In 1937, heap band three medals at a
music conference in Kolkata. He was invited by pandit Nehru to play the shehnai from the ramparts
of Delhi's red fort in 1947. He he has also won many international awards and the highest award
which she had received, was the Bharat Ratna. For him, music was his religion music was his soul.

Q.2. Strong determination motivation and right direction helping bismillah khan in being what he
was do you agree? How important are these characteristic traits in our life?

And. Yes, I agree. Bismillah khan born in a small village became a legend in the field of music he
was the best shehnai player. He reached the height of music. He brought shehnai in forefront. where
did it all happened due to his strong determination motivation and right direction. These values are
very important in our life. no one can succeed in life if one is not motivated determined and
hardworking. If we are clear in a goal and move in the right direction we get success. his journey
from a six year old ordinary boy to the Bharat Ratna was possible because of the above
characteristic traits.

QUIZ
Q1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of ‘pungi’?
(a)It was waste of time

(b)It had unpleasant sound

(c)It was against religion

(d)He did not like it

Ans. (b) It had unpleasant sound.

Q2. Who decided to improve the total quality of Pungi?

(a) A royal minister

 (b) Aurangzeb himself
(c) A royal barber
(d) A musician

Ans. (a)A royal barber

Q3. How was quality of ‘Pungi’ improved?

(a) Changing the number of holes

(b) Size of pungi was changed
(c) A hollow pipe with seven holes was taken
(d) Nobody improved its quality

Ans. (c) A hollow pipe with seven holes was taken

Q4. What was Bismillah Khan’s contribution towards Shehnai?

(a) He improvised it
(b) Brought this to classical stage
(c) Sudden increase in its cost
(d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’

Ans. (d)Both ‘a’ and ‘b’

Q5. Why did Bismillah Khan get a big laddu?

(a)For playing shehnai
(b)For singing ‘Chaita’ in temple
(c)For improvising shehnai
(d)Foe playing gilli and danda
Ans. (b) For singing ‘Chaita’ in temple

Q6. Why is shehnai important?

(a)It is auspicious
(b)Played in North Indian weddings
(c)Part of traditional collection
(d)All the above
Ans. (d) All the above
Q7. How is Aurangzeb associated with ‘Pungi’?
(a)He invented it
(b)Banned its playing
(c)Played in royal court
(d)Did not like its sound
Ans. (b) Banned its playing
Q8. Who changed the noise maker into a melodious producer of sound?
(a)Aurangzeb
(b)Shah Jahan
(c)Evelyn Glennie
(d)Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ans. (d) Ustad Bismillah Khan
Q9. How is shehnai different from pungi?
(a)in shape
(b)in size
(c)it has more melodious sound
(d) more shrill sound
Ans. (c) it has more melodious sound
Q10. What was the profession of Bismillah Khan when he improved the pungi?
(a)a royal musician
(b)a royal chef
(c)a royal astrologer
(d)a royal barber
Ans. (d) a royal barber
3. THE LITTLE GIRL
By: Katherine Mansfield

INTRODUCTION

The title of the story refers to the main character that we will come across- The Little Girl named
Kezia. The theme of the story is the relationship between children and their parents and the writer
Katherine Mansfield wants to tell us that children share a very important bond of love with their
parents. Although when children are small, when they are young they do not feel that their parents
love them because their parents are strict and many actions of the parents seems unjustified. But as
children grow up they realise that all the acts done by their parents were beneficial for them. The
parents were concerned for them and beneath the strictness exists a heart full of love for the children.
And this bond of love between parents and their children has been highlighted through this story.
SUMMARY

Kezia’s fears about her father

Kezia’s father was a figure of fear for her. She avoided him. Before going to work, he would come
to her. He would give her a casual kiss. But when he went, Kezia would feel a great relief.
How Kezia comes before father in the evening
In the evening Kezia’s father comes home. Kezia would hear his loud voice calling for tea. Kezia’s
mother would ask Kezia to be a good girl to take off father’s shoes. When she would take off his
shoes, he would ask if she had been a good girl that day. But she was terrified of him. She would
stutter due to fear. She, in fact, would try to speak. But she would hesitate due to fear. For Kezia, her
father was like a giant.
What happened on a Sunday Afternoon?
On a Sunday afternoon grandmother asked Kezia to have a nice talk with father and mother. But
Kezia always found mother reading and father snoring. So she waited for father. She continued
staring at father. She waited till he awoke. When he actually awoke, he asked her not to stare. She
looked like an owl.
Kezia makes a birthday gift for father
One day Kezia’s grandmother told her that her father’s birthday was next week. She suggested to
Kezia to make him a pin-cushion of yellow silk. So Kezia made a pin-cushion for father. She needed
something to stuff the pin-cushion. So she gathered a few sheets of fine paper and put them into it.
These sheets belonged to her father. They had an important speech which he was to deliver.
A hue and cry in the house
That night there was a hue and cry in the house. Father’s great speech for the Port Authority had been
lost. Rooms were searched. Servants were questioned. Father, went to Kezia’s room. He asked her
about them. Kezia didn’t tell a lie. She told him that she had tom those papers.
Father summons Kezia and beats her
Father asked Kezia to come to the drawing-room. He was very angry. He was pacing to and fro. Kezia
was greatly frightened. He asked Kezia if she had done that. She whispered. Father asked mother to
go to Kezia’s room and fetch those torn papers. Meanwhile he asked Kezia to. hold out her hands.
He beat her on her hands. He did so to teach her not to touch anything that didn’t belong to her.
Kezia’s reaction
Kezia heard this. She replied that what she did was for his birthday. Kezia was beaten on her hands.
Hours later, her grandmother had wrapped Kezia in a shawl. She clung to her when she was being
rocked in the rocking chair. She sobbed, “What did God make fathers for?”
The Macdonalds, Kezia’s neighbours
The Macdonalds lived next door to Kezia’s house. They had five children. Father played with the
children. Kezia thought that there were different fathers.
Kezia’s mother and grandmother at hospital
One day Kezia’s mother fell ill. She had to be hospitalized. Kezia’s grandmother was with her Kezia
was all alone with Alice, the cook. Kezia asked Alice what would happen if she had a nightmare. But
Alice asked her to sleep. She also asked her not to scream and not to wake up her poor father.
Kezia’s nightmare
But Kezia had a nightmare. She saw a butcher with a knife and a rope. He came near Kezia but she
couldn’t move. She screamed and woke up father. Father came to her bed. He asked her what the
matter was. After hearing her, he took Kezia with him.

Kezia’s changed opinion about father

Kezia’s father lay down beside her. Kezia crept close to him. He asked Kezia to rub her feet against
his legs to get them warm. Kezia felt a funny thing. She thought that father was harder than
grandmother. But it was a nice hardness. Every day he had to work harder. He got too tired to be a
Mr MacDonald. And she had torn up his writing! She stirred. Father asked what the matter was. Kezia
told him that her head was on his heart. She told him that he had a big heart. It was beating.

Answer following FIVE questions within 20-30 words (2marks each)

Question 1: Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

Answer: Kezia was a little sensitive girl. Her father was aggressive, strict and a short tempered man
who always spoke loudly. He used to scold her and sometimes he beats her too. He never played with
her. This made Kezia afraid of her father.
Question 2: Why did Kezia stammer in front of her father?
Answer: Kezia’s father always scolded her never addressed her in a loving manner. So, Kezia
stammered in front of her father because she was afraid of him and found it difficult to speak in front
of him.
Question 3: What orders were passed to Kezia in the evening when father returned home from
office?
Answer: When Kezia’s father returned home from office she was told to come down, take off father’s
shoes and put them outside. She was also said to put her father’s teacup on tea table.
Question 4: How was Kezia’s father different from Mr MacDonald?
Answer: Mr McDonald used to play with his children. The girls would hang on to his coat, they
would laugh together. Kezia’s father had no time for such things. He really worked very hard for the
family.
Question 5: What did Kezia find whenever on Sunday afternoons her grandmother sent her
down to have a talk with her parents?
Answer: Whenever Kezia was sent by her grandmother to talk to her parents on Sunday afternoons,
she always found her mother reading and her father stretched out on the sofa, sleeping soundly and
snoring.

Answer following FIVE questions within 40-60 words (3marks each)

Question 1: Why did Kezia’s father punish her?

Answer: She tore important papers of her father to stuff in the pin cushion because she was making
a gift to present to her father on his upcoming birthday. Since the papers had her father’s speech
written on it, she was punished for tearing it.
Question 2: How did Kezia feel in presence of her father?
Answer: Kezia considers her father’s company like a giant’s. Every morning he used to give her a
good bye kiss. She used to feel uncomfortable till her father’s stay at home. She even stammered
while answering him. He scolded her one day and even beat her for tearing some of his important
papers. But when Kezia had cried during the night, he would carry her to his room. She then realized
that her father was actually tender and affectionate and this changed her perception towards him.
Question 3: How did Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted displeasing him very much?
Answer: Kezia was very scared of her father and stuttered while talking to him. She unknowingly
destroyed some of his important papers while stuffing a cushion which she wanted to present to him
on his birthday. This made him very angry and he beat her up badly. Therefore, Kezia’s efforts to
please her father resulted in displeasing him very much.
Question 4: How did the father comfort the little girl, Kezia, when she got scared in her sleep?
Answer: The father came to Kezia’s room with a candle, lifted her up in his strong arms, lay beside
her and made her stay close to him. She held his shirt and snuggled herself close to her father. This
comforted Kezia when she got scared in her sleep.
Question 5: How did Kezia’s negative attitude towards her father, change?
Answer: When her mother was hospitalized, her grandmother went to stay with her. Kezia had to
sleep alone at night. She had a horrible nightmare and started shouting at night with fear. Then her
father came and took her into his arms to comfort her. She felt secured with her father near her. Then
she realized that her father was busy with work and had no time to play. She even realized that her
father loved her but didn’t have the art of expressing it. Thus, her attitude towards her father changed
towards positive.
 Answer following FIVE questions within 100-120 words (5 marks each)

Question 1: Kezia, in the story “The Little Girl” was afraid of her father because he seldom
communicated with her. Based on your reading of the story, write a paragraph advising the
parents to make communication with their children.

Answer: In the story, Kezia is always scared of her father. Her father was a strict disciplinarian who
was always strict towards her. He never spoke to her softly and in a loving manner. He always scolded
her and even beat her up for small mistakes. Parents should not let their stress and workload interfere
in their family life. Parents should always spend quality time with their children. Bonding and
understanding should always be there so that the children can open up their feelings and problems
with their parents. There should be no communication gap between the parents and their children.

Question 2: The relation between a parent and child should be distant and formal or should it
be close and warm.
Answer: In today’s modern context parents and children should be more like friends. The relationship
between them should be warm and close. This would be very helpful in developing the overall
personality of the child. It also helps in boosting the confidence of the child and making him stronger
in his relation. Therefore, it is necessary that children share a close relation with their parents and
there should be no fear but only respect and love. However parental control should never be
compromised.

Extract based Questions: (1X3=3 Marks)

1. But the same old nightmare came the butcher with a knife and a rope who came nearer and
nearer, with that dreadful smile, while she could not move, only stand still, crying out
“Grandma!”. She woke shivering to see father beside her bed, a candle in his hand. “What is
the matter ?” he said.

Question 1.
Kezia was scared of
(a) Going to school
(b) Having nightmares
(c) Visiting doctor
(d) None of the above

Answer: (b) Having nightmares

Question 2.
What nightmare did Kezia have?
(a) A giant with a knife
(b) A butcher with a knife and rope
(c) An accident across the countryside
(d) A dreadful smile of the Macdonalds
Answer: (b) A butcher with a knife and rope

Question 3.
Why had Kezia left at home alone ?
(a) Her mother and grandmother went for fishing
(b) Her mother and grandmother went to the hospital
(c) They went to the countryside
(d) There went to a family function

Answer: (b) Her mother and grandmother went to the hospital

Question 4.
The butcher in Kezia’s nightmare had a
(a) Wide smile
(b) Dreadful smile
(c) Long hands
(d) Big toes
Answer: (b) Dreadful smile
Question 5.
Find a word from the passage that means “shake in fear and cold”.
a) Sweating
b) Shivering
c) Whining
d) Stammering

Answer: (b) Shivering

Extract based Questions: (1X3=3 Marks)

2. “But it was for your b-b- birth day.” Down came the ruler on her little, pink palms. Hours
later, when grandmother had wrapped her in a shawl and rocked her in the rocking-chair, the
child clung to her soft body. “What did God make fathers for ?” she sobbed.
Question 1.
What did Kezia’s mother ask her to make?
(a) Chapati
(b) snacks
(c) a gift of pin cushion
(d) none
Answer: (c) a gift of pin cushion

Question 2.
Why does grandmother ask the little girl to make a present for her father?
a) his birthday was approaching next week
b) he was going on a tour
c) his anniversary was coming
d) he was going to retire
Answer: (a) his birthday was approaching next week

Question 3.
Kezia was beaten up with a ruler by her father because
(a) She failed in her exam
(b) She disagreed to sleep alone
(c) She went to ice cream parlour
(d) She torn down the papers of her father’s speech
Answer: (d) She torn down the papers of her father’s speech
Question 4.
Why did Kezia tear the papers?
(a) to play
(b) to clean her room
(c) to fill the cushion
(d) all

Answer: (c) to fill the cushion

Question 5.
Find a word from the passage that means “wept”.
(a) Wrapped
(b) clung
 (c) sobbed
(d) shouted

Answer: (c)

THE LITTLE GIRL (QUIZ)

1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

a) she thought that he was a hard hearted

b) he used to speak rudely to her and always
man
found faults in her

c) once he beat her for tearing his papers d) all

2. What did Kezia's father do before going to his office?

a) instructed his driver b) instructed his wife

c) Instructed Kezia to be nice to everyone d) Kissed Kezia

3. How did Kezia's grandmother help her to have a better

relation with her father?

a) by sending her to spend time with him in the b) by asking her to prepare tea for him

drawing room

c) by praising her father all the time

4. Grand mother told Kezia to prepare a for

her father.

5. The gift was to be presented on---------

6. Who instructed to take off" father's boots?

a) father b) mother

c) grandma d) mother and father both

7. Kezia compared her dad with a ---------------------

8. Kezia's father compared her with ------------

9. Kezia was punished because---------

a) her father was very rude speech b) she had torn his important

c) she refused to obey him MacDonald

d) she compared him with Mr.
10. Kezia was punished with a---------------

a) stick b) ruler

c) slap d) belt

Answer Key
1. d
2. d
3. a
4. cushion
5. her father's birthday
6. d
7. giant
8. an owl
9. b
10. b
11. d
 A TRULY BEAUTIFUL MIND

(Lesson 4 )

Value points/Lesson notes

● Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in the German city of Ulm.
● He had no signs of greatness. His mother thought that he was a freak as his head
seemed too large.
● When he learned to speak he spoke everything twice. He was boring for other
children.
● He played by himself much of the time. He loved mechanical toys. Looking at his
newborn sister Maja, he asked where her wheels were.
● The headmaster told his father that Einstein would never make a success at anything.
● Einstein began playing violin at the age of 6, later became a gifted violinist.
● Einstein was not a bad pupil; he joined a high school in Munich, scored good marks
in every subject, clashed with his teachers.
● He did not like the strict discipline and order in school and left the school for good at
the age of 15.
● His parents left him with relatives when they moved to Milan. Einstein continued his
education in Switzerland.
● Einstein was highly gifted in mathematics, interested in physics. Decided to study at a
university in Zurich.
● He had a special interest in a fellow student, Mileva Maric, a clever creature.
● She was a Serb and joined the University of Zurich, which was one of the few
universities in Europe to award degrees to women.
● At the age of 21, Einstein got his university degree, a job as a technical expert in the
patent office in Berne in 1902.
● He was developing his own ideas in secret. He called his desk ‘Bureau of Theoretical
Physics’.
● In 1905, he published a paper – Special Theory of Relativity, according to which time
and distance are not absolute. It describes the relationship between mass and energy.
E=mc^2.
● Einstein solved the most difficult problems in Physics, wanted to marry Mileva, but
his mother thought that she was too old for him. She was also bothered about
Mileva’s intelligence.
 ● They married in 1903, had two sons and got divorced in 1919. He married Elsa the
same year.
● Einstein had accurately calculated in advance the extent to which light would be
deflected through the sun’s gravitational field.
● Einstein was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921.
● The Nazi’s came to power in Germany in 1933. Einstein immigrated to United States.
● The discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin made the world fearful of the Nazi’s
building an atomic bomb.
● Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt warning him about the danger of a
nuclear bomb.
● The dropping of nuclear bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima deeply shook Einstein.
● He worked for ending of arms build up in the world and even promoted the idea of a
World Government. He was celebrated as a visionary and world citizen.
● Einstein died at the age of 76, in 1955.

GLOSSARY

Amateur: One doing something for personal enjoyment rather than as a

profession.
Regimentation strict order or discipline
:
Stifled: Suffocated
Philistines: People having no liking for art, literature, music, etc.
Unravelling: Starting to fall apart, loosening.
Laud: Prevailing.
Missive: An official long letter.
Visionary: A person of unusually keen foresight.
Faltered: Became week.

Short Answer Questions

Part A

Answer the following questions in 20-30 words:

1. In what ways was Albert an uncommon child? How did he spend his time?
2. What were some of the symptoms of ‘greatness’ that Einstein reflected during early
years of his life.
 3. How did Einstein feel at his school in Munich?
4. What made Albert Einstein to immigrate to the US?
5. What is referred to as ‘Bureau of Theoretical Physics’ and why?

Part B

Answer the following questions in 40-50 words:

1. Describe Einstein’s relationship with Mileva Maric.

2. What are the two landmark achievements that brought Einstein recognition in the
field of science? How was he honoured?
3. What made Einstein write the missive to Franklin Roosevelt, what happened
thereafter?
4. What were the apprehensions or concerns of Einstein’s mother about Mileva Maric?
5. Einstein was a great scientist. Why do you think he turned to politics in later years?

Long Answer Questions

Answer the following questions in 100-150 words:

1. Einstein was against regimentation. Do you think that very strict discipline on
children kills their personal initiative and individuality? Explain.
2. A Truly Beautiful Mind describes the ‘beautiful mind of Einstein which has
inspirational value’. What are some of his attributes that you find inspirational?

Extract Based Questions (Reference to Context)

1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
He also felt a special interest in a fellow student, Mileva Maric, whom he found to be
a “clever creature.” This young Serb had come to Switzerland because the University
of Zurich was one of the few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein
saw in her an ally against the “philistines” with whom he was constantly at odds.
I. Who is being referred as young Serb?
a) Elsa
b) Mileva Maric
c) Einstein’s mother
d) None of the above
II. Why had Mileva come to Switzerland?
a) Because Switzerland is an exotic holiday destination.
 b) Because she wanted to study in a women’s college.
c) Because she wanted to get a degree.
d) Because no other University awarded a degree to a woman.
III. Who are referred to as ‘philistines’?
a) People in family
b) People at university
c) Both a and b
d) None of these
IV. The expression ‘and ally against the philistines’ means?
a) A friend who disliked arts
b) A friend who was different from the people with no taste for art.
c) A person who is very clever.
d) A friend who understood him as well as philistines.
V. Which word/phrase means the same as ‘in disagreement’?
a) At odds
b) Ally
c) Philistine
d) serb
2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
At the urging of a colleague, Einstein wrote a letter to the American president,
Franklin D. Roosevelt, on 2 August 1939, in which he warned: “A single bomb of
this type.... exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with
some of the surrounding territory.” His words did not fail to have as effect. The
Americans developed the atomic bomb in a secret project of their own, and dropped it
on Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

I. What was the content of Einstein’s missive to Franklin Roosevelt?

a) Urge of a colleague
b) A warning about the magnitude of destruction that the bomb could cause.
c) Discovery of nuclear fission in the U.S.
d) His reason for immigration to the U.S.
II. What was the result of Einstein’s letter?
a) The bomb exploded at the port
b) It had no effect
c) Americans developed the atomic bomb
d) Roosevelt did not heed the warning.
III. How did the Americans make use of the two historic bombs?
a) In collaboration with allied nations
b) In a secret project of their own
c) In a German laboratory
d) None of the above.
IV. The explosion of an atomic bomb would result in:
a) Decimation of the entire port
b) Destruction of surrounding territories
c) Both of these
d) None of these
V. Which event in 1945, brought the second world war to an end?
a) American intervention and destruction of Italy.
b) America dropped many bombs at various cities of Japan and destroyed it
completely.
c) America dropped two atomic bombs one in Hiroshima and one in Nagasaki.
d) The war eventually ended on its own.

Quiz Part – I

Choose the correct answer:

1) What did other children say about Einstein?

a) That he was ugly
b) That he was boring
c) That he was quarrelsome
d) That he was stupid
2) What did Einstein’s headmaster feel about him?
a) That he was boring
b) That he was quarrelsome
c) That he was lazy
d) That he was stupid and would never succeed in life.
3) What did Einstein’s mother think about him?
a) That he was very lovely
b) That he was boring
c) That he was stupid
d) That he was a freak
4) Why did Einstein leave the Munich school for good?
a) He disliked the building of that school.
 b) He disliked the regimentation of the school
c) He disliked the head teacher of the school
d) He disliked the teachers of that school
5) Where did Einstein want to go to study after leaving Munich school?
a) To America
b) To England
c) To Frankfurt
d) To Switzerland
6) Why did Einstein want to study in Switzerland rather than Munich?
a) Because he disliked the regimentation in the Munich School
b) Because he liked the liberal atmosphere in Switzerland
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b
7) Why did Einstein see an ally in Mileva?
a) Both of them were the same age
b) Both of them were classmates
c) Both of them were intelligent and opposed to philistines
d) Both of them were opposed to the idea of making an atomic bomb.
8) What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office?
a) The Bureau of freedom
b) The Bureau of patented inventions
c) The Bureau of theoretical physics
d) The Bureau of Nuclear fission
9) What discovery had the Nazis made in Germany?
a) The discovery of atom
b) The discovery of physics
c) The discovery of bombs
d) The discovery of nuclear fission
10) Who was Franklin Roosevelt?
a) The president of America
b) The Prime Minister of America
c) The chief scientist of America
d) The chief commander of the American Air force.

Quiz Part – II

Choose the correct answer:

1) Why did Einstein write a letter to Roosevelt?
(a) To warn him how powerful the Nazis have become in Germany
(b) To warn how destructive the atomic bomb could be
(c) To tell him how the atomic bomb could be made
(d) To tell him to throw the bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
2) How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
a) He was shocked
b) He wrote a letter to the United Nations suggesting a world government
c) He stated campaigning for peace and democracy
d) All of the above.
3) Why does the world remember Einstein as a ‘world citizen’?
a) He supported peace and democracy
b) He was in favour of a world government
c) He wanted the world to function as one unit
d) All of the above.
4) What type of toys did Einstein love to play with as a boy?
a) Clay toys
b) Plastic toys
c) Mechanical toys
d) Electrical toys
5) What did Einstein say when he looked at his newborn sister?
a) That she had no eyes
b) That she had no legs
c) That she had no toys
d) That she had no wheels
6) Who did Albert Einstein often clash with during his school days in Munich?
a) With his classmates
b) With his teachers
c) With his headteacher
d) With his playmates
7) How old was Einstein when he did his graduation?
a) Twenty one
b) Nineteen
c) Seventeen
d) Fifteen
8) Who was Albert’s first wife?
 a) Elsa
b) Mileva
c) Maria
d) Emily
9) When was atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
a) In August 1940
b) In August 1945
c) In August 1947
d) In August 1950
10) What was it that put the American physicists in an uproar?
a) The discovery of atomic bomb in Japan
b) The discovery of atomic bomb in America
c) The discovery of nuclear fission on Berlin
d) The discovery of nuclear fission by Einstein.

Quiz part – III

Choose the correct answer:

1) When was Albert Einstein born?

a) 14th March 1878
b) 14th March 1877
c) 12th March 1879
d) 14th March 1879
2) Where was Albert Einstein born?
a) Ulm, Germany
b) Dusseldorf, Germany
c) Cologne, Germany
d) None of the Above
3) Albert Einstein’s mother thought he was a
a) Genius
b) Freak
c) Handsome
d) Talented
4) To Albert’s mother, his head seemed
a) Too small
b) Too round
c) Too large
 d) Too black
5) When Albert leaned to speak, he uttered everything
a) Thrice
b) Twice
c) Once
d) None
6) Einstein’s playmates called him
a) Brother happy
b) Talented friend
c) Brother boring
d) Helpful Brother
7) According to ancient mathematician Otto E. Neugebauer, what was Albert’s
first phrase?
a) The soup is too hot
b) The soup is too cold
c) The soup is too tasty
d) The water is too hot
8) What toys did Albert like specifically?
a) Racing cars
b) Mechanical toys
c) Soft toys
d) None
9) What was the name of Albert’s sister?
a) Mary
b) Michelle
c) Maja
d) Monica
10) What did little Albert say looking at his newborn sister?
a) Beautiful, where did she come from?
b) Fine, but where are her wheels?
c) Cute, but where are her heels?
d) Lovely, but where are her wheels?
 ANSWERS:

Short Answer Questions

Part A (2 marks each)

1. Albert Einstein was an uncommon child because he didn’t talk till he was two and a
half year old. When he started speaking, he spoke the same thing twice. His
playmates called him brother boring. He didn’t know what to do with them. So he
played by himself most of the time.
2. During his childhood, Albert was not thought to be a normal child, but he had
symptoms of greatness right from his childhood. When he broke his silence for the
first time, his parents asked him why he did not speak till then; Einstein replied that
till then everything was in order. He loved to play with mechanical toys.
3. Albert Einstein hated the school’s regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers.
He left the school at the age of 15 as he felt stifled there.
4. When Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933, Einstein immigrated to the United
States because he feared to be victimized by anti –Jew policies of Hitler.
5. Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office as Bureau of Theoretical Physics.
It was because he was developing his own ideas there. The drawer had proof of his
efforts. He had written his ideas on paper and kept them there.

Part B (3 marks each)

 1. Mileva Maric was a young Serb who came to Switzerland. Einstein was also in
Switzerland, they fell in love and got married, had two children but finally got
divorced in 1919. Their relationship was like mixing science with tenderness.
2. The two landmark achievements that brought Einstein recognition in the field of
science were his general theory of relativity and his special theory of relativity
(E=mc^2), according to which time and distance are not absolute. He had been
honoured with awards all over the world. The newspapers claimed his work as
scientific revolution. He received Nobel Prize for physics in 1921.
3. Einstein wrote a letter to the American president, Franklin D Roosevelt, on the 2nd
August 1939. Because he came to know that Germany had discovered nuclear fission
and was likely to make atomic bomb. He wanted to warn him about the destruction
the explosion of such a bomb could cause to humanity. Afterwards USA made such
bombs and dropped them on Japan.
4. Einstein wanted to marry Mileva Maric, but his mother was against it. She thought
Mileva was too old of Albert. She was also bothered by Mileva’s intelligence and
said that Mileva was more a book than a human being.
5. Einstein felt that scientific inventions were causing much harm to humanity at large.
He was shaken by the extent of destruction caused by the use of atom bomb against
Japan. He felt that recurrence of such events can be stopped only through a world
government. This made him join politics.
Long Answer Question
(5 marks each)
1. Einstein was against regimentation because he felt stifled in such an environment.
This did not give him the freedom to think or be creative. Regimentation always
forced him to comply with accepted actions and demeanours. His free will was being
suppressed and he was not being able to grow in a natural way. His initiative to
discover new ideas was being curbed. Teachers and Head Master thought that they
knew what was best for students. They wanted to groom students they way they
wanted. It made Einstein rebel against the teachers with whom he often clashed.
Einstein was right in not conforming to such a strict regimentation. In my opinion
excess of everything is counter-productive. Such an environment fails to understand
students’ potential, his rational questioning and logical mind are ignored. A stringent
order cannot provide individuals the intellectual stimulation which one might need.
Only self imposed discipline can mould successful and responsible citizen for
tomorrow. Hence there should be a middle path.
2. A Truly Beautiful Mind is a biographical chapter of Einstein’s life. He has been an
inspirational figure. Despite receiving a negative enforcement right from his
childhood, where he was considered as a freak child, and unsociable, boring and
incapable of being successful, his scientific genius and philanthropic perception will
keep inspiring the generations to come. No criticism affected him another
characteristic feature is assertiveness towards achieving what he wanted. He did not
pay any heed to his teachers and headmaster, rather he proceeded with what he found
logically correct. He rebelled against whatever he thought was wrong. He was a great
scientist but he inspires the young minds with the qualities of head and heart. He was
very intelligent. He was gifted in mathematical intelligence and physics. A very
hardworking young man, continued working on his ideas in secret when he was a
teaching assistant. He was concerned with world peace, he believed that the purpose
of scientific progress has got to peace. His values of peace, hard work, and
democratic temperament are the leading tenets. His heart went out for the suffering,
pain of humanity at large which was proved during the devastation at Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. Because of his concern for his world peace he was known as a citizen of
the world.
Extract Based Questions
(1 mark each)
1) I. (b) Mileva Maric
II. (c) because she wanted to get a degree
III. (c) Both a and b
IV. (b) a friend who was different from people with no taste for arts.
V.(a) at odds

2) I. (b) A warning about the magnitude of destruction that the bomb could cause.
II. (c) Americans developed the atomic bomb
III.(b) In a secret project of their own
IV. (c) Both of these
V.(c) America dropped two atomic bombs one in Hiroshima and one in Nagasaki.

Quiz Part – I
(One mark each)

Answers:

1. (b)
 2. (d)
3. (d)
4. (b)
5. (d)
6. (c)
7. (c)
8. (c)
9. (b)
10. (a)
Quiz Part – II
(One Mark Each)

Answers:

1) b)
2) d)
3) d)
4) c)
5) d)
6) b)
7) a)
8) b)
9) b)
10) c)
Quiz Part – III
(One mark Each)

Answers:

1) d)
2) a)
3) b)
4) c)
5) b)
6) c)
7) a)
8) b)
9) c)
 10) b)

CHAPTER – MY CHILDHOOD

LESSON NOTE – My Childhood is an extract taken from the autobiographical novel, Wings
of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam. Dr Kalam, who was one of the greatest scientists of India and
also the 11th President of India gives an account of his childhood days. He talks about the
people, the incidents and the experiences that he had during his childhood which shaped his
adult life. Although he was born in a conservative society, his family, his teachers and his
friends influenced Dr Kalam in his childhood and he imbibed values of secularism, honesty,
kindness, simplicity dignity of labor, socio-economic equality and discipline. The extract is
very inspirational.

About the Author

APJ Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Kalam
was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace
engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly
at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO). He was intimately involved in India’s civilian space programme and
military missile development efforts and thereby earned the title of Missile Man of India. He
also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear
tests in 1998. After 5 years as President, Kalam returned to teaching, writing and public
service. He was honoured with several prestigious awards including India’s highest civilian
honour “Bharat Ratna” in 1997. Abdul Kalam’s writings are very inspirational for the young.

Author Name A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Born 15 October 1931, Rameswaram

Died 27 July 2015, Shillong

Full Name Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

 Awards Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan

Madras Institute Of Technology, Anna University

Education
(1955–1960), Bizmen forum (1954)

Very Short Answer questions :

Question 1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?

Answer: Abdul Kalam’s house was on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram.

Question 2.. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?

Answer: Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by catching bundles of the newspapers thrown
out from the moving train on the Rameswaram Road between Rameswaram and Dhanuskodi
and distributing them.

Question3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they become later?

Answer:Ramanadha sastry,Arvindan and Sivaprakashan were Abdul kalam’s school

friends.Later Ramanadha Sastry became the priest,Arvindan started transport business and
Sivprakasan became a catering contractor.

Question 4: Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?

Answer: Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram because he wanted to study at the
district headquarters in Ramanathapuram.

Question 5. What characteristics does Abdul Kalam inherited from his parents?

Answer: Abdul Kalam says that he inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father; and
faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.

Short Answer Type questions:

Question 1.Kalam’s childhood was a secure one both materially and emotionally. Illustrate.
Answer:APJ Abdul Kalam called his childhood a secure one because he had loving and
caring parents who gave love and guidance to their children and took care of their emotional
and physical needs. They provided their children with all necessities, in terms of food,
medicine or clothes.
Question 2.Right from his childhood Kalam was very enterprising. Comment.
Answer:Kalam was an enterprising child who used to make full use of the opportunities that
came his way. During the war, when there occurred a great demand for tamarind seeds in the
market, he used to collect these seeds and sell them off to a provision store near his home
and earn an anna a day. Thus, he was able to earn some money for himself. Later, he
collected newspapers for his cousin, Samsuddin, and earned his first wages. These incidents
show that he was very enterprising.

Question 3.What was Dinamani? Justify your views.

Answer: Dinamani seems to be the name of a newspaper. Kalam mentions that he gathered
information about the World War from his brother-in-law Jallaluddin. Later he tried to trace
these stories in the headlines of Dinamani. Since news stories can be read in newspapers, and
Headline is the heading at the top of a news item in a newspaper, Dinamani must be a
newspaper.

Question 4.“On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the
segregation of different social groups,” says the author. Which social groups does he
mention? Were these groups easily identifiable?
Answer:Dr. Kalam mentions two social groups of Rameshwaram—orthodox Brahmins and
Muslims.
Yes, these groups were easily identifiable by the way they dressed. Kalam wore a cap which
marked him as a Muslim, while Ramanadha Sastry wore a sacred thread which marked him a
Hindu.

Question 5.What did Kalam’s family do during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam
ceremony?
Answer:During the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony, Kalam’s family used to
arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of the Lord from the temple to the
marriage site, situated in the middle of the pond called Rama Tirtha, which was near Kalam’s
house.

Long Answer Questions:-

Question 1.What incident took place at the Rameswaram Elementary School when a new
teacher came to the class?
Answer: Kalam, who was a Muslim, used to wear a cap and his friend, Ramanadha Sastry,
the son of the head priest at the Rameswaram temple, wore a sacred thread which marked
him to be a Brahmin. When the new teacher came he could not stomach a Hindu priest’s son
sitting with a Muslim boy. In accordance with social ranking as the new teacher saw it,
Abdul Kalam was asked to go and sit on the back bench.

Both the boys felt very sad. Ramanadha Sastry looked utterly downcast and as Kalam shifted
to his seat in the last row, he saw tears in his eyes. Both the kids narrated the incident to their
parents. Lakshmana Sastry summoned the teacher, and reprimanded him for spreading the
poison of social inequality and communal intolerance in the minds of innocent children. The
teacher was asked to either apologise or quit the school and the island. Not only did the
teacher regret his behaviour, but the strong sense of conviction Lakshmana Sastry conveyed
ultimately reformed him

Question 2:How was the Science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer, though an orthodox Brahmin
with a very conservative wife, an important influence in Abdul Kalam’s life? Give incidents
to support your answer.
Answer: The Science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer wanted Kalam to be very highly educated
as he recognized his intelligence. He used to spend hours with the young boy and would
express his desire that Kalam develops his abilities so that he was on par with the highly
educated people of the big cities. He also, wanted to break the social barriers between the
Hindus and the Muslims. One day, he invited him over for a meal.

His orthodox wife was totally horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy dining in her ritually pure
kitchen. He did not heed anything said by his very conservative wife. He rather served
Kalam food with his own hands. He also sat with him and dined together with him. Not only
that, he invited him over again for another meal the coming weekend. Thus, this shows that
he was an important influence on Abdul Kalam even though Kalam was a Muslim and he
himself was an orthodox Brahmin.

Reference to context Questions:

Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct answer:

Extract 1: A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of 1 anna. My brother-in-law
Jallaluddin would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the
headlines in the Dinamani. Our area, being isolated ,was completely unaffected by the War.

(a)Who is the speaker in the passage?

i.Abdul Kalam

ii.Abdul kalam’s father

iii.Jallaluddin

iv None of the above

(B) what was the name of the newspaper?

i. War

ii. Dinamani

iii.Anna

iv. Wings of fire

(C) What did Kalam try to trace in the headlines in Dinamani?

i.about the war in the headlines

ii.about the collection of Anna

iii. about peace process

iv.about his area.

(D) what is anna?

i. a unit of currency

ii. a big brother

iii. a place

iv. none of the above

(E)what is synonyms of isolation

i. separation

ii. contact

iii. welcome

iv.accessibility
Ans A-1, B-2,C-1,D-1, E-1

Extract 2: I inherited honesty and self-discipline from my father; from my mother, I inherited
faith in goodness and deep kindness and so did my three brothers and sisters. I had three
close friends in my childhood-Ramanadha Sastry, Arvindan and Sivaprakasan. All these
boys were from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families.

(A)From his father what did Kalam inherit?

i.honesty

ii. self-discipline

iii. both honesty and self- discipline

iv. none of the above

(B) What kind of nature did his mother have?

i. kind

ii.orthodox

iii.cruel

iv.none

(C) From his parents what did Kalam not inherit?

i. kindness

ii. honesty

iii. tactfulness

iv.self-discipline

(D) choose synonyms of ‘orthodox’

i. conservative

ii.unconventional

iii.unorthodox
iv.nonconformist

(E)who is not friend of Kalam?

i.Ramanandha

ii.Arvinandan

iii.Ramanadha

iv. Sivaprakasan

Ans : A-iii , B-i , C-iii , D-is , E- i

TO KNOW MORE (QUIZ) :

Q1- When did Kalam become India's 11th President?

A) 2000
B) 2001
C) 2003
D) 2002

Q2- Where did Kalam talk about his childhood?

A) In his autobiography, Wings of Fire

B) In his first speech
C) In his research papers
D) In his office

Q3- Where was Kalam born?

A) Rameswaram, Madras State.

B) In Tamilnadu
C) In Karnataka
D) In Chennai

Q4- From where has this chapter ‘My Childhood’ been taken?

A) From childhood memories

B) From Prof A.P.J Kalam's book 'Wings on Fire'
C) From famous writer Khushwant Singh's Book
D) None

Q5- What does Dr. Kalam talk about in his book Wings of Fire?
 A) His childhood experiences
B) His parents
C) His friends
D) All

Q6- Who influenced Dr.. Kalam?

A) His society people

B) His friends

C) His father

D) None

Q7- What did Kalam's father teach him?

A) Hatred
B) Honesty and self discipline
C) To fight
D) To be arrogant

Q8- What did Kalam gain from Wings of Fire?

A) The great values he imbibed from his parents,teachers and society

B) His books, fame, success
C) knowledge and discipline
D) None

Q9- What is the theme of the story My childhood?

A) Children are precious

B) Childhood is a treasure
C) Society must be in harmony
D) Society, environment and childhood experiences shape one's life.

Q10- What is the message of this lesson?

A) Mutual trust, peace and harmony are a must for a society to be happy and grow
dynamically
B) Live happily
C) Fight for your rights
D) Have fire on your wings

Ans 1-D 2-A, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D, 6-C, 7-B, 8-A, 9-D, 10-A
 LESSON – 7

PACKING

LESSON NOTES

1. The lesson ‘Packing’ is an extract taken from Jerome K. Jerome’s novel ‘Three Men
in a Boat’. It describes humorously the incident that takes place when the narrator and
his two friends get engaged in packing their things before going on a boating trip.
2. It focuses on the fact that packing is an art and very few people are gifted with this
art.
3. Once the narrator (J.) and his two friends (George and Harris) decided to go on a trip.
4. The narrator felt that he knew packing better than his friends. So he told them to
leave the job entirely to him.
5. George and Harris accepted the offer and relaxed while the narrator was busy in
packing the bag.
6. But the narrator was not happy to see both of his friends passing their time leisurely.
What he actually intended was that being the best of them he would boss the job and
his friends would do some unimportant things under his direction.
7. The narrator started packing. It took him a longer time than he had expected.
8. He packed the bag but left the boots outside. So, he had to re-open the bag and put
the boots in.
9. No sooner had he packed the bag than he forgot whether he had packed his
toothbrush.
10. He again opened the bag and made a frantic search for the toothbrush which he
finally found inside a boot.
11. When he had finished, George asked if the soap was in. The narrator got irritated and
refused to re-open the bag.
12. However, he had to open the bag once again when he found that he had packed his
spectacles.
13. Now it was the turn of George and Harris to do the rest of the packing. They began in
a light-hearted spirit to show the narrator that it was not a very difficult task. But they
too proved themselves immature as they made a lot of mistakes while packing.
14. They started with breaking a cup. Then Harris packed the strawberry jam on top of a
tomato and squashed it.
 15. Then there was George who trod on the butter. In this way they messed up things and
took a long time in packing.
16. The narrator’s dog Montmorency lingered the task of packing by creating nuisance.
17. He came and sat on things, just when they were wanted to be packed. He put his leg
into the jam and disturbed the teaspoons.
18. He pretended that the lemons were rats and got into the hamper to attack them.
19. The packing was finished at midnight. All the three friends went to sleep as they had
got tired. Also they had to wake up early.
20. Therefore, we see that the chapter is full of humour and physical comedy as well.

VERY SHORT ANSWERS

1. What irritates Jerome the most?

Ans- Seeing other people sitting around him when he is working irritates him the
most.
2. At what time did they pack the bag finally?
Ans- They packed the bag finally at 10:05 pm.
3. According to Jerome who is the worst packer in the world?
Ans- Harris is the worst packer in the world according to Jerome.
4. Who offered to pack the hampers?
Ans- George and Harris offered to pack the hampers.
5. What was Jerome so proud of?
Ans- He was proud of his skill of packing.

SHORT ANSWERS

1. Why did the narrator volunteer to do the packing?

Answer:
Jerome, the narrator, prided himself in his packing skills. He wanted to show off his
skills to his friends so he volunteered to do the packing. However, he had expected
that his friends would work along with him.
2. The narrator took pride in his packing skills. Comment.
Answer:
The narrator felt that packing was one of those things that he felt he knew more about
than any other person living. This made him develop a sense of superiority about his
ability as the best packer and he took pride in his packing skills.
3. What did Harris and George do while Jerome was packing the bag? How did Jerome
react to their behaviour?
 Answer:
When Jerome told George and Harris to leave the job of packing to him, they
accepted his suggestion at once. They settled themselves comfortably, George on the
easy-chair and Harris with his legs on the table and watched Jerome packing the bag
all by himself. As they watched, they smoked and found faults with Jerome’s packing
and also made fun of him. They made him reopen the packing by inquiring about
items he had forgotten to pack. All this irritated Jerome
4. What kind of a man did the narrator once live with?
Answer:
The narrator lived with a man once who used to annoy him. He would loll on the sofa
and watch the narrator doing things by the hour together. He said it did him real good
to look on at the narrator, messing about.
5. Now, I’m not like that.’ What does the narrator intend to convey by this statement?
Answer:
By this statement, the narrator intends to convey his dislike for sitting idle and
watching someone else work hard, like the man he lived with did. He prefers to walk
around and supervise work in his natural energetic way. However, this actually
means that he, too, was not interested in toiling but liked to boss over others.

LONG QUESTIONS ( 100 - 120 WORDS)

1. What did the author want to do when he offered his help? How was he
misunderstood? Do you think Jerome was a show-off while offering his help? What
would you have done if you were Jerome ?
Ans: The narrator Jerome volunteered his expertise in packing. He just wanted to act
as a boss and superintend them. But they misunderstood him and made him do the
entire packing.
Yes, I think Jerome accepted the work of packing just to show off his skill. His
intention was not to pack the things himself; it was an intention to superintend his
friends. He wanted to act as their boss. But his friends were smarter. They sat
leisurely and watched him doing the packing. It irritated Jerome.
If I had been in the pace of Jerome, I would not have accepted the work just to boss
over them or just to show off my skill. I would have accepted the work to help them
without any expectations.

2. The narrator Jerome prided himself on his packing abilities. Did the events justify his
claim?
 Ans. Jerome prided himself on his packing abilities. Packing was one of those things
in which he had no equals. At least, he thought, George and Harris couldn’t equal
him in this art. He had a very poor opinion of Harris. He considered him to be the
worst packer in the world. He was proud of his own energetic nature. He wanted
George and Harris to learn the art of packing from him by working under his
directions.
Events proved otherwise. Jerome was also a bundle of confusion when he indulged in
this job. He was of forgetful nature. He got the bag packed up at last. Harris reminded
him that he had forgotten to put his boots inside the bag. Just as he was going to close
the bag, a horrible idea occurred to him. He didn’t know whether he had put his
toothbrush inside or not. He found it inside a boot after a long search. Such events
make us doubt about the narrator’s claim of being a good packer. They hardly justify
him as a perfect packer.

EXTRACTS FROM THE LESSON

1. “And I looked round, and found I had forgotten them. That’s just like Harris. He
couldn’t have said a word until I’d got the bag shut and strapped, of course. And
George laughed — one of those irritating, senseless laughs of his. They do make me
so wild.”
A.) What had the narrator forgotten to pack?
i) boots
ii) toothbrush
iii) glasses
iv) butter
B.) The narrator’s opinion is that Harris is:
i) smart
ii) senseless
iii) mean
iv) none of these
C.) Just after this extract, which other object important to be packed comes to the
narrator’s mind?
i) cake of butter
ii) toothbrush
iii) a bathing soap
iv) tomatoes
D.) What is meant by ‘strapped’?
 i) closed
ii) fastened with a zip
iii) tied with a strap
iv) beat severely
E.) George’s laughter ---------- the author.
i) pacified
ii) relaxed
iii) baffled
iv) annoyed
2. “To get somebody to stumble over him, and curse him steadily for an hour, is his
highest aim and object; and, when he has succeeded in accomplishing this, his conceit
becomes quite unbearable.
He came and sat down on things, just when they were wanted to be packed; and he
laboured under the fixed belief that, whenever Harris or George reached out their
hand for anything, it was his cold damp nose that they wanted.”
A.) Who is being talked about?
i) George
ii) Harris
iii) J
iv) Montmorency
B.) Which word in the extract means ‘trip or lose one’s balance’?
i) stumble
ii) conceit
iii) unbearable
iv) damp
C.) What is the author’s tone in the first paragraph of the extract?
i) serious
ii) sarcastic
iii) satirical
iv) humorous
D.) The dog becomes _____ when he has disturbed everything around himself.
i) ashamed of himself
ii) proud
iii) embarrassed
iv) none of these
E.) Harris and George were packing ______ when the dog behaved as a nuisance.
 i) stuff
ii) food items
iii) hampers
iv) bags
ANSWERS OF EXTRACT 1
A. i
B. iii
C. ii
D. iii
E. iv

ANSWERS OF EXTRACT 2
A. iv
B. i
C. iv
D. ii
E. iii

QUIZ
Choose the correct option:
1. Why was Jerome willing to do the packing?
a) Because he did not want to miss anything
b) Because of his expert packing skills
c) Because he liked doing it
d) Because he was afraid of losing his things

2. “They fell into the suggestion with a readiness that had something uncanny about it.”
What does ‘uncanny’ mean?
a) strange
b) cannot be canned
c) difficult to be packed
d) None of them

3. What was Montmorency’s contribution to the packing?

a) Made packing easier
b) Packing became quicker
 c) Packing was worsened
d) All of the above

4. Why did George and Harris’ reaction irritate Jerome?

a) Because he was losing a chance to educate them
b) He wanted to supervise over them and educate them
c) He didn’t like them
d) Because they were teasing him

5. What horrible idea struck Jerome’s mind after packing his bag?
a) Whether he had packed the butter
b) Whether his boots were packed
c) Whether he had kept his tobacco pouch or not
d) Whether he had packed his toothbrush or not

6. What did George ask the author immediately after he had already repacked once?
a) Whether he had packed his winter clothes
b) Whether the soap was inside
c) Whether the tickets were ready
d) If the boots were packed

7. What did George and Harris start the packing with?

a) Breaking a cup
b) Squashing a tomato
c) Trodding on the butter
d) Packed the jam first

8. George put the butter on a chair. What happened then?

a) Harris sat on the chair and the butter stuck to him
b) Montmorency ate it immediately
 c) The butter melted and ruined the clothes
d) Jerome sat on it

9. Where did they finally pack the butter?

a) inside a box
b) in the kettle
c) in the butter pot
d) in the teapot

10. What was Montmorency’s ambition in life?

a) to kill the rats that entered the house
b) to chase the dogs in the neighbourhood
c) to get in the way and be sworn at
d) to put his cold damp nose in the jam

11. Why did the narrator want to wake up at 6:00?

a) He wanted to check the packing again
b) He wanted to take bath first
c) He wanted to write some letters
d) He wanted to search for his toothbrush

ANSWERS
1 b 7 a

2 a 8 a

3 c 9 d

4 b 10 c

5 d 11 c

6 b

(“ Reach for the Top”)

Main Points of the Chapter –

I- SANTOSH YADAV –
Santosh Yadav has twice climbed the Mt. Everest.
She is only woman in the world to do so.
She was born in small village of Haryana named Joniyawas.
She was born in the society where the birth of a son was regarded as a
blessing.
She was only sister of five brother.
She started her education in the village school.
Then she visited Delhi and enrolled herself in a school there.
Then she went Jaipur for further studies.
She joined Maharani College and got a soon in Kasturba Hostel.
She was just twenty years old at that time.
She always provided help to her fellow climbers.
Once she saved the life of one fellow climber.
She was also concerned about the environment, once she brought backs 500
kg. of rubbish from Mt. Everest.
She is proud to be Indian.

II- MARIA SHARAPOVA –

Maria Sharapova was a Siberian girl who became the world number one
woman tennis player.
On 22nd August, She secured number one position in women's tennis.
She was sent for training in United States.
She was separated from her mother for two years.
She becomes mentally taught/strong and learnt how to take care of herself.
She never thought of quitting tennis and went on working determinately.
She believed in working hard.
She proudly says about her Russian nationality. Once she said, “My Blood is
Totally Russian.”
She was fond of fashion, singing and dancing.
She finds money as Motivation.
Her dream was to become world numbers one and this dream kept her going
on.

Answer following questions in 20 – 30 words -

 When did Santosh leave home for Delhi, and why?
Ans: Santosh left home for Delhi to get proper education and she was sixteen at that time.

When was santosh's Concern for the environment shown?

Ans: Santosh was really concerned for environment. She collected and brought down 500
kg of garbage from the Himalayas.

Why was Santosh sent to the local school ?

Ans: Santosh was sent to the local school in the line with the prevailing custom in the
family.

What does Maria Sharapova recall ?

Ans: Maria recalls that she missed her brother terribly . Her father was working as much as
she could keep her tennis training going. So, he couldn't see Maria either. But she
became determined and mentally strong. She learnt to take care of herself.

What has lifted Maria to the top of the world ?

Ans: Maria’s talent, her unwavering desire to succeed and readiness to sacrifice, have
lifted her to the top of the world.

Answer following questions in 40 – 50 words -

What is Maria's Mantra for success?

Ans: Toughness runs through Maria's Blood. She reached to the world number on because
of her determination and toughness. She had no room for sentiment. She was very
competitive. She worked hard and it is her mantra for success, scarifices that she made
were worth it.

Did Maria reach the pinnacle without much sacrifice and efforts?
Ans: No, the title of the world no. 1 was not achieved effortlessly; the world of Tennis was
highly competitive. The rapid ascent began 9 years ago. It demanded a lot of sacrifice
and efforts on her part. She was packed off to the train in the United States when she
was hardly ten . It required a heart- wrenching two years separation from her mother.
Name and fame come at a price.

What do you know about the early life of Santosh?

Ans: Santosh was a sister to five brothers. She was born in a small village of Joniyawas
Rewari district in Haryana. Her parents were well off land owners. She was given the
name “Santosh” which means contentment. She studied in Local Village School and
after passing High School, She joined Maharani College in Jaipur.
 What was the condition of a daughter in the society, where Santosh was born?
Ans: Santosh was born in a society where the birth of a son was considered as a blessing. It
was a male dominated society the birth of a daughter, though not considered a curse,
was not a blessing the birth of a female child was not generally welcome.

What skills and qualities did Santosh develop after she took up climbing as a carrier?
Ans: Santosh went on expedition every year her climbing skills matured rapidly. She
developed a remarkable resistance to cold and altitude. She had an Iron will, physical
endurance and mental toughness. She also had the quality of hard work and sincerely.

Long questions Answer in 100 – 120 words -

Prove that Santosh Yadav had courage to violate the established traditions.?
Ans: There is no doubt that Santosh had the courage to change the established traditions.
She was not content with her place in traditional way of life. She began living life on
her own terms from the start. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses,
Santosh preferred shorts, Santosh got admitted in local school, but she decided to fight
the system in her own way when the right moment arrived. At sixteen, most of girls
village used to get married. She threatened her parents that she would never marry if
the did not get proper education. She left home & enrolled herself in a school in Delhi.
She did not want any money from her parents for school fees. These incidents prove
that she was a rebel and had the courage to face any situation.

How did Maria become lonely ? How did she made it a boon for her?
Ans: Maria Sharapove was packed off to train in the United States. She had not yet
celebrated her tenth Birthday, that trip to Florida with her father Yuri touched her on
the path to success and stardom. But it required a heart wrenching two years separation
from her mother Yelena. Her mother was forced to stay back in Siberia because of visa
restrictions. She terribly missed her, but not feel depressed. She became more
determined and mentally tough. She used to say that when one comes with nothing and
has nothing, then it make one very hungry and determined. In this way her alienation
became a boon for her.

EXTRACT – 1

⇒ There is something disarming about Maria, Something at odds with her ready smile
and glamorous attire, and that something in her lifted her on Monday 22 August 2005
to the world no. 1 position in women's Tennis. All this happened in almost no time.
 poised beyond her years, the Siberian born teenager took just four years as a
professional to reach the pinnacle.
When did she become the world no. 1 player in women's tennis?
Ans: A on 22nd August 2005.

B on 20 august 2005

C on 21 august 2005

D on 23 august 2005

How many years did she take to be on top?

Ans: A Two years to be on top

B Three years to be on top

C nine years to be on top

D four years to be on top.

What is the charming thing of Maria?

Ans: A Maria's ready smile and glamour's attire at odds.

B Maria’s sacrifices for tennis

C Maria’s beauty

D Maria’s dedication for tennis

Where was she born ?

Ans: A She was born in Siberia.

B She was born in florida

C She was born in America

Pinnacle means -----

Ans A summit

B Grand

C Accomplish
 D Compel

ANSWERS 1 A ON 22 AUGUST 2005 2 D FOUR YEARS TO BE ON TOP 3 A

MARIA’S READY SMILE AND GLAMOURS ATTIRE TO ODDS 4 A SIBERIA
5 A SUMMIT

EXTRACT – 2

⇒ A marriage as early as that was the last thing one her mind. She threatened her parents
that she would never marry if she did not get proper education. She left home and got
herself enrolled in a school in Delhi when her parents refused to pay for her education,
She politely informed there of her plans to earn money by working part time to pay her
school fees.
What was the last thing in her mind?
Ans: A Marriage

B To become a mountaineer

C To join college in Delhi

In which city did she first go for her proper education ?

Ans: A Delhi

B Jaipur

C Dehradun

D Uttarkashi

Why did she threaten her parents?

Ans: A That she would never marry without getting a proper education.

B She would never go to school

C She would never return to her village

D She would go abroad .

What did she politely inform her parents of her plans?

Ans: A That she would earn money to pay for her education by working part time.

B That she would join theatre to pay school fee.

 C she would earn money by taking tuition classes.

Which word means the same as “involving less than the normal time for some
activity”
A Part-time

B Pastime

C Fulltime

D Unfurl

ANSWERS 1 A MARRIAGE 2 A DELHI 3 A SHE WOULD NEVER

………..EDUCATION 4 A THAT SHE WOULD EARN MONEY ……….WORKING
PART TIME 5 PART TIME

Quiz
1 What does Santosh mean?
2 What type of dress did Santosh prefer to wear?
3 What were Santosh parents?
4 What did Santosh use to watch from her room?
5 How did Santosh manage to save life of her fellow climber?
6 Why was Maria sent to U.S.?
7 What is tennis according to Maria?
8 What are the hobbies of Maria?
9 What does she proudly parade?
10 What is according Maria’s biggest motivation?

ANSWERS

1 Contentment
2 Shorts
3 Landowner
4 Villagers going up the hills
5 By sharing her oxygen cylinder
6 For training in tennis
7 A business and a sport
8 Fashion, singing, and dancing
9 Russian citizenship
10 Money
 THE BOND OF LOVE

NOTES / VALUE POINTS

1. The Bond of Love is a story of emotional bonding between a woman and a bear. The
author once found an orphan sloth bear and presented it to his wife.

2. He got the bear cub for her by accident.

3. Two years ago, they were passing through the sugarcane fields. While driving away the
wild pigs one of his companions shot a sloth bear. A baby bear was riding on the back
of mother bear when it was shot dead . Baby bear was making doleful sounds running
around the mother. Author felt pity for the poor baby bear.

4. The author with the help of his friend captured it and put it in a gunny bag and took it
home.

5. He presented the baby to his wife after reaching Bangalore

6. The author’s wife was so happy that she put a red ribbon around its neck. After finding
it a male bear , she christened it Bruno and lovingly called Baba.

7. Bruno learned drinking milk from bottle. After few days he started eating and drinking
everything edible even spicy things , beer , liquor etc.

8. Author’s wife cooked variety of dishes for him. Bruno performed many playful tricks
which gave pleasure to her.

9. In his younger days Bruno was left free and became friend with two Alsatian dogs and
children of the tenants. Bruno had access to kitchen and even slept in the beds of family
members.

10. One day author had put Barium carbonate in the library to kill rats. Bruno entered the
library as usual and ate some poison .He got paralysed , was rushed to a vet but was
saved
11. When the bear grew big, he was dangerous for the children in the house.

12. So the author decided to send him to the zoo.

13. His departure was very painful for the author’s wife.

14. Finally she asked her husband to visit Bruno in the zoo. They both felt relieved on
meeting. They still never forgot each other.

15. They decided to bring the bear back home.

16. In a few days, they built an island for the sloth bear. The author’s wife spent hours
sitting on a chair and playing with Bruno.

17. The bonding between the human and the animal was very strong.
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
To be answered in 20 – 30 words each

Q1. Who was Bruno and how was it caught by the narrator?

Q2. When did the author take his wife to the Mysore zoo?

Q3. How did the narrator’s wife react when Baba was sent to Mysore zoo?

Q4. What used to be Bruno’s activities at the author’s home?

Q5. Who advised the author’s wife to send Bruno to a zoo and why? What was her reaction?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

To be answered in 40 – 50 words each

Q1. What request did the narrator’s wife make to the curator? Did the curator grant the
request?

Q2. How did Baba reach back home?

Q3. Bruno once got paralysed. Why? How was he cured?

Q4. How was the problem of what to do with Bruno finally solved?

Q5. How was Bruno transported back to Bangalore from the Mysore zoo? What special
arrangements were made to keep him at home?

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

To be answered in 100 – 120 words each

Q1. The author ends the story “The Bond of Love” with the rhetorical question: “But who
can say now that a sloth bear has no sense of affection, no memory and no individual
characteristics?” Discuss this statement in the light of Bruno’s character.
Q2. How was the author’s house made comfortable for the pet bear? If you have a pet, what
arrangements would you make for his/her comforts? Do you think domestication of
animals is a restriction on their natural liberty?
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

PASSAGE 1
As we watched the fallen animal, we were surprised to see that the black fur on its back
moved and left the prostrate body. Then, we saw it was a baby bear that had been riding on
its mother’s back when the sudden shot had killed her.

(i) ‘We’ in the above lines refer to …………..

(a) Author
(b) Author’s Wife
(c) Author’s Friends
(d) Author’s neighbours

(ii) It was a baby bear that had been lying on the mother bear’s back.
(a) True
(b) False

(iii) The synonym of ‘lying on the ground facing downwards’

(a) Prostrate
(b) Paralysed
(c) Murmured
(d) fretted

(iv) Who shot the baby bear’s mother?

(a) Author
(b) Author’s wife
(c) Author’s Mother
(d) Author’s Friend

(v) What did the author do about the baby bear

(a) He sold him to a zoo
(b) He kept him in a cage
 (c) He gifted Him to his wife
(d)He gave it to his friend

PASSAGE 2

We all missed him greatly; but in a sense, we were relieved. My wife was inconsolable. She
wept and fretted. For the first days, she would not eat a thing. Then she wrote a number of
letters to the curator. How was Baba?

(i) __________ was being missed.

(a) Bruno
(b) Toto
(c) Scooby
(d) Tuffy

(ii) To Whom the authors wife wrote the letters

(a) Curator
(b) Trader
(c) Merchant
(d) Archaeologist

(iii) What was the condition of authors wife when baba was sent to zoo
(a) She was very happy
(b) She was inconsolable and weeping
(c) She was in a confusion
(d) she was afraid
(iv) She wept and fretted. ‘She’ here refers to the ……………
(a) Authors Mother
(b) Author’s Maternal Aunt
(c) Author’s Daughter
(d) Author’s Wife

(v) From the passage give the synonym of ‘zoo keeper’.

(a) Superintendent
(b) Curator
(c) Editor
(d) Cobbler
 QUIZ

1. Who is Bruno?
(a) author wife’s pet deer.
(b) author wife’s pet sloth bear.
(c) author wife’s pet dog.
(d) author’s pet dog.

2. Two years ago , the author and his friend were passing through the sugarcane fields
of------
(a) Allahabad.
(b) Haryana.
(c) Meerut.
(d) Mysore.

3. To clear their way while driving, the people were shooting at--------
(a) goats.
(b) wild dogs.
(c) wild pigs.
(d) tigers .

4. Who promptly shot the sloth bear ?

(a) author’s wife.
(b) police inspector.
(c) author.
(d) author’s companion.

5. The sloth bear had come out on the road ___________in the hot sun?
(a) eating fruits.
(b) growing.
(c) chasing dog.
(d) panting.

6. Unfortunately for the poor beast who is the beast referred to here?
(a) wild pig.
(b) sloth bear.
 (c) pet dog.
(d) none of the above.

7. What kind of hair sloth bears have ?

(a) Shaggy.
(b) Long and golden.
(c) They are bald.
(d) Curled.

8. In India,sloth bears can be found in------

(a)Tropical Rainforest.
(b) Snowy Himalayas.
(c) Amidst the city life.
(d) The deserts.

9. What is the main food for sloth bears ?

(a) Chickens.
(b) Human.
(c) Termites.
(d) Birds.

10. The sudden shot had killed the --------

(a) baby sloth bear.
(b) mother sloth bear.
(c) father sloth bear.
(d) both (b) and (c).

ANSWERS

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(To be answered in 20 – 30 words each)

Ans 1 –
Bruno was a black sloth bear's child who was caught by the narrator when his friend killed
his mother.
Ans 2 –
Though the author had managed to prevent her from going to the Mysore zoo for three
months, one day she put her foot down and told him that if he was not ready to take her
to the zoo by car, she would go by bus or train. So, the narrator took her to the zoo by
car to see her Baba.

Ans 3 –
When Baba was sent to Mysore zoo, the narrator's wife felt so miserable that she could not
be consoled. She wept and kept worrying about the bear. She refused to eat anything
for some days. She wrote letters to the curator of the zoo to inquire about Baba's well
being.

Ans 4 –
In the beginning, Bruno was left free. He spent his time in playing, running into the kitchen
and going to sleep in our beds. As he grew older, he became more mischievous and
playful. He learned to do a few tricks, too. At the command, ‘Baba, wrestle’, or ‘Baba,
box,’ he vigorously tackled anyone who came forward for a rough and tumble. If
someone said ‘Baba, hold gun’, he would point the stick at the person. If he was asked,
‘Baba, where’s baby?’ he immediately produced and cradled affectionately a stump of
wood which he had carefully concealed in his straw bed.

Ans 5 –
The narrator, his son and even some friends advised the author’s wife to send Bruno to a zoo
because he was now too big to be kept at home. They felt he may become a danger to
children. But she loved the pet bear so deeply that she could not accept the proposal
readily. It took her three weeks to make up her mind and give her consent.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
(To be answered in 40 – 50 words each)

Ans 1 –
At the request of the narrator’s wife, the Superintendent of the zoo agreed to permit her to
have Baba back home. He wrote a letter to the curator and asked him to lend a cage so that
the bear could be brought home safely. The cage was carefully put on the top of the car and
Baba travelled back to his home in Bangalore.

Ans 2 –
At the request of the narrator’s wife, the Superintendent of the zoo agreed to permit her to
have Baba back home. He wrote a letter to the curator and asked him to lend a cage so that
the bear could be brought home safely. The cage was carefully put on the top of the car and
Baba travelled back to his home in Bangalore.

Ans 3 –
Bruno had mistakenly consumed poison and had got paralysed. However, he managed to
crawl to the author’s wife on his stumps. He was taken to the veterinary doctor who and
injected 10 cc of the antidote into him. The first dose had no effect. Then another dose was
injected which cured Bruno absolutely. After ten minutes of the dose, his breathing became
normal and he could move his arms and legs.

Ans 4 –
As he grew up and became larger in size, the author, his son and some friends felt that Bruno
could no longer be kept at home. The problem of what to do with Bruno was solved when the
narrator’s wife, though reluctantly, gave her consent to send Bruno to the zoo in Mysore. A
letter was written to the curator of the zoo who replied in the positive. Bruno was put in a
cage and sent away in a lorry that had been sent by the zoo authorities.

Ans 5 –
Bruno, the pet bear, was transported back to Bangalore in a cage lent by the Mysore zoo
authorities. The cage containing Bruno was hoisted on top of the car and tied securely. The
vehicle was driven slowly and carefully, lest he was hurt. At the writer’s home in Bangalore,
special arrangements were made to keep Bruno at a safe distance from the tenants’ children.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
(To be answered in 100 – 120 words each)

Ans 1 -
The Bond of Love revolves around the mutual, sincere and selfless love of the narrator’s
wife and her pet bear, Bruno. The young bear loved and brought up like a child by the
author’s wife, proves that he richly deserves this love because he himself is capable of
showing equally deep and faithful love.
He is treated like a member of the family and he himself proves that he is as much bound by
loyal love to the members of the family as they are to him. The deep emotions of Bruno
come to the fore when he is sent to the Mysore zoo. He is so pained by the separation from
his mistress that he frets terribly and refuses to eat anything. He grows very lean and thin.
Even three months is not long enough a period for him to reconcile himself to the separation
from the author’s wife. When she goes to see him, he recognizes her at once, even from a
distance of some yards, and expresses his delight by howling and standing on his head. At
the closing time of the zoo he cries bitterly at the thought of parting again from his mistress.
His emotions move the hearts of the zoo curator and the keepers who agree to give Bruno
back to the author’s family. This proves that animals too feel love and affection.

Ans 2 –
Bruno had grown very big and heavy. He could not be accommodated in the house. He
needed a separate place. A special home was made for him. A twenty-foot long and fifteen-
feet wide island surrounded by a dry pit of moat was made in the compound. A wooden box
with some straw was provided for him to sleep. Bruno had two precious possessions, a
‘baby’, the gnarled stumps, and a gun.
These were given back to him. Thus, he was provided his natural environment within the
house. I personally feel that domestication of animals is in a way cruelty against animals. No
doubt, we take care of their health and food, yet we curtail their liberty. They are either
chained or imprisoned. Anyway, if I have a pet, I would make its habitat as natural as
possible. I would always take it to a qualified vet and give it all the medicines and food.
Most of the time I would keep him/her free from chain or cage.
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

PASSAGE 1
(i) Author’s friends
(ii) True
(iii) Prostrate
(iv) Author’s Friend
(v) He gifted him to his wife

PASSAGE II
(i) Bruno
(ii) Curator
(iii) She was inconsolable and weeping
(iv) Author’s Wife
(v) Curator

QUIZ

1)B 2) D 3)C 4) D 5) D 6) B 7) A 8) A 9) C 10) B

Lesson -IF I Were You

Value Points

1.The Playwright named Gerrard lives alone in a small cottage.

2.The intruder enters the house of the playwright.

3.He only knows him as Gerrard.

4.He has heard about him a few things.

5.The intruder is a criminal and he has a pistol in his hand.

6.He has also killed a policeman.

7.The intruder thinks that he resembles Gerrard very much.

8.He decide to kill Gerrard and then lives himself as a Gerrard.

9.The intruder threatens Gerrard with his revolver.

10.He asks him to answer his questions.

11.The he tells him that he intends to kill him and lives in his house as Gerrard.

12.Gerrard smartly outwits the intruder.

13.Gerrard tells him that he himself is a murderer.

14.Gerrard also tells him if he kills him, he is sure to be hanged.

15.Police will hang him if not as himself then Gerrard.

16.Gerrard asks him to hurry and run away in his car to a safer place.
17.Gerrard acts smartly and opens the door which is actually at the door of a cupboard.

18.The intruder looks into it to see what it contains.

19.Gerrard suddenly pushes him into the cupboard which is soon locked from outside.

20.He, at last, calls the police and gets him arrested.

2. Answer any four questions each, in 20-30 words. (2*5=10 marks)

(i) Briefly describe Gerrard’s appearance.

Answer:
Gerrard is a man of medium height and wears horn-rimmed glasses. When the play opens, he
is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. He talks in a cultured voice and his demeanor is
confident.

(ii) Who was the Intruder in Gerrard’s house? Why did he break into his house?
Answer:
The Intruder, who broke into Gerrard’s house, was a criminal. He had murdered a cop and
was being chased by the police. He broke into Gerrard’s house with the intention of
murdering him and taking on his identity to evade the police.

(iii) Why does the Intruder not kill Gerrard immediately?

Answer:
The Intruder does not kill Gerrard immediately because he first wants to get all the necessary
information from him. Without this information, his plan to take on Gerrard’s identity will
not succeed.

(iv) How did Gerrard behave on seeing a gun-toting stranger in his cottage?
Answer:
Gerrard kept his cool and remained absolutely unruffled when he saw the gun-totting
stranger in his cottage. There was neither any panic nor any ring of tension in his voice. He
remained his normal self and talked to him casually.

(v) The Intruder calls himself ‘a poor hunted rat’. Why does he do so?
Answer:
The Intruder describes himself as ‘a poor hunted rat’ because he is being chased by the
police for having killed a cop and he has to keep dodging them to escape punishment. He
feels he is like a rat being chased by a cat.

3.Answer any four questions each in 40-50 words. (3*5=15marks)

(i)Why does the intruder say, “They can’t hang me twice”?

Answer:
The Intruder threatens Gerrard that he will murder him. Gerrard tells him that he should not
do this because he would be arrested and hanged for that crime. The intruder remarks that he
has already murdered someone and would be hanged for that crime. Since he can’t be hanged
twice, he is not afraid of killing Gerrard.

(ii)A mystery I propose to explain. What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
Answer:
Gerrard says these words to the Intruder. He wants to tell him that he himself was a criminal
and had murdered someone. He was in hiding and the police was after him. He was
expecting the police to raid his house anytime so he was about to leave that place very soon.

(iii) How did Gerrard convince the Intruder that his plan would fail?
Answer:
Gerrard was an intelligent person. He immediately understood his plan. He told him that his
plan was not successful. He would not be able to save himself from the law. He would be
arrested even after impersonating as Gerrard because Gerrard himself was a criminal and was
being chased by the police.
(iv) What did Gerrard tell the Intruder about his life?
Answer:
Gerrard told the Intruder that he was not a Sunday School Teacher. He was a criminal who
had murdered someone and the police were after him. It was a surprise for the Intruder who
wanted to impersonate Gerrard and live a peaceful life.

(v) What impression do you form of the Intruder as he comes in? Give examples to illustrate.
Answer:
The Intruder is similar in build to Gerrard enters from the right silently – revolver in hand.
He is flashily dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat. He seems to be a dangerous person as he
is carrying a pistol and threatens Gerrard. He claims to have killed a cop. He is mean,
heartless and crafty, for he plans to kill Gerrard and assume his identity in order to escape the
police. He is over-confident because he claims that Gerrard is no match for him.

4. Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words each.

(i) How did Gerrard get rid of the Intruder in the play ‘If I Were You’? What would you have
done if you were in his place? What is the central idea of the play? (5 marks)
Answer:
Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage. He was a playwright. One day an intruder entered his
cottage with the intention to kill him. The intruder looked like Gerrard. He wanted to
impersonate Gerrard and escape from the law. But Gerrard was smarter. He understood his
motive. Gerrard told him that he himself was a criminal and was expecting trouble that night
itself. He convinced the intruder to escape from there.

(ii) Imagine you are Gerrard. Tell your friend what happened when the intruder broke into
your house. Do you agree that crime cannot escape the law? (5
marks)
Answer:
One day an Intruder made a way into my cottage. He resembled me in appearance and
physique. He was dressed in a detective’s dress. He spoke with an American accent. He
started a conversation with me and told me his intention to impersonate me. Initially I was
scared but I did not run out of ideas. I immediately made a story and convinced him that I
was also a criminal like him. I told him about my plan to leave that place as police was after
me. I was successful in trapping and handing him over to the police. It is rightly said that evil
begets evil. I fully agree that crime does not pay for long. No criminal can escape the hands
of law. A criminal is destined to face the punishment sooner or later.
He offered his help to save the intruder from police. He asked him to follow him towards
garage. While on the way to the garage, Gerrard pushed the intruder into a cupboard and
locked him inside. Thus, he got rid of him. In such a condition, I would have acted in the
same way. I also would have thought of such a plan. The play impresses upon us the need to
be calm, composed and maintain presence of mind in times of trouble.

5-Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow. (1*5=5
marks)

A-Gerrard This is your big surprise. I said you wouldn’t` kill me and I was right. Why do
you think I am here today and gone tomorrow, never see tradespeople? You say my habit
would suit you. You are a crook. Do you think I am a Sunday -school teacher? The game is
up as far as I`m concerned.
i-Who is Gerrard talking to?

(a) his friends (b) the intruder

(c) the milkman (d)his guest

ii-What is the big surprise?

(a) Gerrard was a criminal (b)Gerrard was a police officer

(c) the police were outside (d)Gerrard has informed the police

iii-What does the given lines reveal about Gerrard?

(a) he is stupid (b) he is smart

(c)he is gullible (d) he is amiable

iv- Why has the listener going to kill Gerrard?

(a)for taking his property (b) for the pleasure of it

(c) for taking his identity (d) for hiding himself

V- How does Gerrard justify his surprise?

(a) by his habits (b) by his talks

(c)by his aura (d)all of the above

Answer- i-(b) ii-(a) iii-(b) iv-(c) v-(a)

B-. Intruder My specialty’s jewel robbery. Your car will do me a treat. Its certainly a dandy
bus.

Gerrard I’m afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex.

Intruder so are the cops. I can retire here nicely for a little while.

(i) What did the intruder want from Gerrard?

(a) To kill him. (b) To steal from him.

(c) To take his identity. (d) To ask for his help.

(ii) What is the intruder’s profession?

(a) He is an actor. (b) He is a jewel thief.

(c)He is a spy. (d)He is a convict.

(iii) Why does the intruder choose Gerrard’s house?

(a) Because he was safe there. (b)Because he could hide from the police.

© Because he could be peaceful. (d)All of these.

(iv) What is happening in the given lines?

(a) Gerrard is wasting his time.
(b) Gerrard is getting to know more about the intruder.
(c) Gerrard is taking his time to come up with a plan.
(d) The intruder is informing Gerrard of his purpose.

(v) Which word in the extract means the same as ‘excellent’?

(a) dandy (b) treat

(c)nicely (d)retire

Answer –i- (c) ii- (b) iii- (d) iv- (c)v- (a

6-Quiz (1*10=10 marks)

Question 1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘If I Were You’?

(a) Vikramseth
(b) Douglas James
(c) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru

Question 2.Do you think Gerrard was actually a murderer?

(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Maybe
(d) Not known

Question 3.What was Gerrard’s full name?

(a) Bill Gerrard
(b) William Gerrard
(c) Henry Gerrard
(d) Vincent Charles Gerrard

Question 4.What was the intruder already wanted for?

(a) theft
(b) robbery
(c) murder
(d) kidnapping

Question 5.What does the intruder say about his specialty?

(a) murder

(b) kidnapping
(c) jewel robbery
(d) all of the above

Question 6.Who did the intruder want to get information?

(a) Gerrard
(b) the police
 (c) himself
(d) all of the above

Question 7.What did the intruder have in his hand?

(a) a revolver
(b) a knife
(c) an iron rod
(d) none of the above

Question 8.Who was the intruder?

(a) a thief
(b) a criminal
(c) a priest
(d) a soldier

Question 9.Who was cleverer?

(a) Gerard
(b) Intruder
(c) Sergeant
(d) all of the above

Question 10.What did Gerrard do to the intruder?

(a) he killed him
(b) he knocked him down
(c) he locked him up in a cupboard
(d) all of the above

Answers- 1-b , 2-b, 3-d ,4 -c , 5-c , 6-a, 7-a , 8-b , 9-a, 10-c

The Road not taken by Robert Frost

Value Points
1. The poet was standing at a place where two roads/paths 'diverged in a yellow wood'
2. He was sorry that he couldn't travel both at the same time.
3. He looked down one as far as he could till it bent away in the undergrowth.
4. The other road was just as fair and perhaps presented a better claim.
5. The second road was grassy, less frequented by travelers and 'wanted wear'
6. The poet had to make a choice and he resolved the dilemma.
7. He chose the second road the 'kept the first for another day'
8. The poet had a doubt that he would never get a chance to travel on the first road again.
9. The choice had been made and it made all the difference in his life.
10. But the poet neither seems to be very happy nor very sad with his choice and leaves
the end open to the readers and their choices.

Summary

The poem the road not taken is written by a Robert Frost. In this poem the poet say that
there is a choice in our life. One day poet was travelling all alone, he reaches at a point
where Road is divided in to two now he is in dilemma which road to take. After a short
indecisiveness he takes one of road which look green and untrodden. The other Road
seemed to him very much trodden upon. he thinks that it will make a difference for hi. he
also thinks that he may travel The other road sometime later. however he knows that he
might not be able to do so later he was that he could have taken the other Road but life has
no retake he also admits he can never know what would have happened to him if he had
taken the other Road.

Theme

The poem 'The Road Not Taken' offers a profound perception into the process of
decision making. The traveler at the crossroads of the diverging roads is symbolic of an
individual at a decisive moment in his life's journey. His decision or choice of future action
is of utmost significance since the decision decides his destiny. The poet, Robert Frost,
through this poem asserts the importance of the right decision at the right time. We may
regret our choice or we may be excited about our choice, but the choice at the crucial
moment will determine and change the path of our life. Hence, the poem stresses the need
for deep and critical analysis of the situation before we arrive at a life-transforming
decision.

Question & Answer (20-30 words)

Q. What is a wood ? What did the narrator see in the wood? Were the paths similar?
A. Wood means a forest. He saw two paths diverging and disappearing in the undergrowth.
No, one had more grass and seemed less used than the other.

Q. What did the narrator hope that he would do one day? Was he sure of doing so?
A. The narrator hoped to come back and try the other path someday. No, he did not think
he would do so because he knew that one path led to another and it would be difficult for
him to come back.

Q. What does the poet mean when he says, 'worn them really about the same'?
A. The poet means to relay to the readers that both the roads that diverged in a yellow
wood seemed similar and both of them looked as if they had not been used for a while.

Q. Where does the traveler find himself? What problem does he face?
A. The traveler finds himself at a point where two roads diverge. His problem is to decide
on which road he should walk.

Q. What is the message of the poem?

A. The message of the poem is to make people aware of their analytical skills. The poet
wishes to say that choices should be made carefully and thoughtfully. One should behave
responsibly because life does not offer multiple chances every now and then.

Question and Answer (40-50 words)

Q. What was the poet's dilemma?

A. The poet was standing before the two roads. He had to decide which one would lead
him to success. It was not easy for him to decide. So he stood there and introspected. Out
the two options, he had to choose the one. Of course, it was not an easy choice.

Q. What was the poet's opinion about both the roads?

A. The poet opined that both the roads were same. They were equally travelled and there
was no difference between them, so he got confused. It was difficult to decide which road
would be more convenient and comfortable.

Q. What do the roads represent?

A. The roads represent the problem of decision making. Human beings suffer because of
their choices and decisions. They find themselves in such situations at every step in their
lives. Out of the available options, they have to choose the one that may take them to their
destination.

Q. Did the poet take his decision haphazardly?

A. No, he speculated and brooded over the situation. He took this decision after a lot of
contemplation. He did not take this decision haphazardly. No doubt, he was a bit confused
After all, it was not quite easy to make the right choice. But he exercised his option after
much contemplation.

Q. Why did the poet choose that road?

A. The poet chose that road because it was less travelled. He wanted to do those activities
which had not been done by anyone earlier. The poet didn't seem to be interested in
choosing a much trodden path of life. Avoiding the popular rat-race, he opted for the option
that broke fresh grounds.

Multiple Choice Questions from Extract

1. Read the following extracts and choose the correct option

Shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence :
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
And both that morning equally lay in leaves, no step had trodden back.
Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to the way
I doubted if I should ever come back

(a) 'Sigh' means :

(i) regret (ii) to (iii) not to feel sorry indifferent (iv) to be

(b) What has made all the difference in the poet's life?
(i) Choosing a travelled road (ii) Choosing a less travelled road
(iii) By not choosing any road (iv) By not being weak
 (c) 'Road' is a metaphor for :
(i) Travelling wisely (ii) Good health
(iii) Choices we make in life (iv) Morning walks

(d) The poet chose to travel on another road because :

(i) It was easier (ii) It was shorter and easier
(iii) It was grassy and wanted (iv) He was sure of his success in that way

(e) 'Both' in line one refers to :

(i) Leaves (ii) Roads (iii) Steps (iv) The poet and his friends

Ans : (a) (i) (b) (ii) c (iii) (d) (iii) (e) (ii)

2. Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

(a) The poet didn't take the first road as

(i) It had worn out by continuous use (ii) It had been tried and tested
(iii) It was expected of him (iv) It looked shabby

(b) The second road had the better claim as :

(i) It had been laying waste (ii) It was attractive with green grassy carpet
(iii) It needed to be explored (iv) It was full of suprises

(c) The poet's decision to take the other road indicates that he is :
(i) Adventurous (ii) Calculative
(iii) Opportunist (iv) Careful

(d) In this extract, the poet is describing.

(i) A road (ii) His love for trekking
(iii) Two roads, the one he chose and the reason for his choice (iv) His tastes
(e) The poet doubts his comeback because
(i) He continues to follow the road he chooses (ii) He is very lazy
(iii) He is a man on the move (iv) He never repeats himself

Ans : (a) (i) (b) (iii) c (i) (d) (iii) (e) (i)

WIND
by Subramania Bharati

Value points:

*The poem describes the power of wind on nature and human life.

*It focuses on the violent aspect of wind that causes destruction.

*Here the wind represents the difficulties and challenges.

*The wind will be our friend or enemy.

*The fierce wind is also seen by the poet as adversities in life. It breaks the shutter of the
windows, scatters paper and throws down the books that are on the shelf, tears the pages and
brings rain.

*The wind makes the fun of weak as they are compelled to face damages caused by wind in
several ways.

*We should be strong in mind and body.

*We should face our problems boldly.

*We should stay firm in difficult situations.

*Unless we fight with our hardships, we cannot expect success.

SUMMARY AND THEME OF THE POEM

The poet requests the wind to slow down its speed because its speed breaks the shutter of the
windows creating the mess in the room with the books thrown down from the shelves and
torn the pages of the books. The poet speaks in subdued tone to the wind that it makes
mischief. Whenever it encounters anyone who is too humble and mild to protest against its
actions. The wind doesn’t listen to anybody and its actions are governed by it alone.
Actually, by using symbolism the poet wants to convey the message that the troubles we face
in our lives come as suddenly as wind and also leaves suddenly. If we make our character
strong, we will be able to control any trouble easily. The last four lines conclude the poem.
The message is clear that only the weak people are afraid of difficulties. The strong people
make the way through them.

Theme: The poet inspires us to face the challenges and hardships with courage, grit and firm
determination. The wind is the symbol of problems and obstacles which are to be dealt
without fear.

Answer the questions given below in 20 -30 words each.

Q.1 “Wind, come softly.” Why does the poet say this?

Q. 2 How does wind make fun of weaklings?

Q. 3 What is winnowing?

Q. 4 Explain the meaning of “We praise him every day”.

Q. 5 What does the wind symbolise?

Ans.1 The poet says this because the poet knows that a strong wind can cause a lot of
damage to the weak structures. It can break the shutters of windows, throw the books from
the shelves and bring rain.

Ans. 2 Wind makes fun of weaklings by separating them from the strong and then crushing
them by its force. A strong wind is never friendly to a weak thing and destroys it.

Ans.3 Winnowing means blowing away or removing the chaff from grain before it can be
used as food. In the poem it means segregating people or things by judging their qualities.

Ans.4 Here ‘him’ stands for wind god. We praise the wind because it provides us strength
and life. It helps us flourish so we should sing his praises every day.

Ans.5 Wind symbolises the challenges and hardships that are faced by the humans in their
life.

Answer the questions given below in 40-50 words each.

Q.1 What does the poet mean when he says ‘Make the heart steadfast’?

Q.2 What does ‘crumbling’ suggest in this poem?

Q.3 What challenges are posed by wind in the life of the poet and the common man?

Q.4 What advice does the poet offer the people?

Q.5 In which two forms does the poet describe the wind?

Ans.1 The poet means that while facing difficulties and challenges in life, one should have
strong determination and courage. Wind causes harm to weak structures only and puts out a
weak fire, but has no effect on a strong structure, in fact, it causes a strong fire to burn more
intensely. Similarly, if you are determined and courageous, you can face all adversities.
Ans. 2 The word ‘crumbling’ in the poem suggests fragile or frail. He feels that wind
separates the frail or derelict houses, doors, rafters, wood, and weak bodies. In the same way
the challenges and the problems separate and crush the weak persons, their bodies and hearts
from those that are strong and determined.

Ans.3 According to the poet, wind and rain are forces of nature that are perceived as the
tempest forces which create impediments in a man’s life. Just as our problems which can
arise from nowhere, wind can hit us at any time of our life. It mocks the weak and the frail.
For frail people, wind creates barriers. Winds do not let a frail body or a frail mind survive
but on the other hand if you are strong, you have the power and the will to survive and fight
back, wind can never be a threat to your being.

Ans.4 The poet says that the wind is very powerful. It mocks at the weak and destroys their
homes. But we should not be dismayed. He advises that we can build strong houses and thus
we can challenge the wind. He also suggests that we should face the challenges and
hardships with courage, grit and firm determination. He advises us to make the wind our
friend because its friendship is good. It can make strong fire burn more intensely. That is
why we praise the wind.

Ans.5 The poet describes the wind in two forms. The first form of the wind is the fierce and
violent one that destroys everything. It is not friendly with the weak structures or characters.
It makes them crumble. The second form of the wind is the nurturing one. It brings comfort
and happiness to the strong. It makes the strong fire to burn brighter.

Read the given extracts and answer the question that follow:

Question 1.

You’re very clever at poking fun at weaklings.

Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters,

crumbling wood, crumbling bodies, crumbling lives,

crumbling hearts –

the wind god winnows and crushes them all.

He won’t do what you tell him.

Q.1 What does the wind poke fun at?

(a) Weak houses and weak doors.

(b) Weak rafters and weak wood.

(c) Weak hearts and weak bodies.

(d) Any living or non-living thing that is weak and crumbling.

Q.2 “He won’t do what you tell him” Who is ‘he’ in this line?

(a) God
(b) Wind God

(c) wind

(d) all

Q.3 Which figure of speech is used in the above lines?

(a) simile

(b) personification

(c) oxymoron

(d) metaphor

Q.4 Find the word from the above extract that is the antonym of ‘strong’.

(a) clever

(b) fun

(c) frail

(d) winnow

Q.5 The wind does not obey anyone because…

(a) it does not have ears.

(b) it is the master of the world.

(c) it is so powerful that it cannot be controlled.

(d) it is very disobedient.

Ans.1 (d) Any living or non-living thing that is weak and crumbling.

Ans.2 (c) wind

Ans.3 (b) personification

Ans.4 (c) frail

Ans.5 (c) it is so powerful that it cannot be controlled.

Question 2.

Do this, and the wind will be friends with us.

The wind blows out weak fires.

He makes strong fires roar and flourish.

His friendship is good.

We praise him every day.

Q.1 What is the poet saying us to do?

(a) to make strong houses

(b) to make our hearts strong

(c) to make our bodies strong

(d) all of the above

Q.2 We can make friends with the wind god if we are—

(a) true.

(b) honest.

(c) strong.

(d) respectful.

Q.3 What is the effect of the wind on strong fires?

(a) makes them stronger

(b) blow them out

(c) let them burn as before

(d) all the options are correct

Q.4 Which figure of speech has been used in the above lines?

(a) alliteration

(b) metaphoric

(c) personification

(d) simile

Q.5 What is the moral of this poem?

(a) be firm and strong and never be defeated by any obstacle

(b) pray to the wind

(c) don’t be weak

(d) request the wind

Ans.1 (d) all of the above

Ans.2 (c) strong.

Ans.3 (a) makes them stronger

Ans.4 (b) metaphoric

Ans.5 (a) be firm and strong and never be defeated by any obstacle

RAIN ON THE ROOF

COATES KINNEY

About the poet

Coates Kinney (November24,1826- January25,1904) was a lawyer, politician, journalist,
and poet from the U.S. One night he caught an inspiration and wrote this beautiful verse.
This poem made him famous though he has written very little poetry and no great amount of
prose, yet several of his production is still live. He lived in an elegant residence and lived
well. He is described as keen and witty in conversation and quite agreeable. He died in Ohio.

Theme of the poem

The poet exhibits that the rain brings the poet maximum happiness, when he is lost in
dreams and so many fancies go on revolving in his mind. He loves the pattering of soft rain
on the roof. It reveals healing power of nature’s rain especially when it is heard from a cozy
bed in a lovely cottage. The first stanza of the poem tells that it is pleasant to lie on the bed in
a cottage and listening to pitter - patter sound on a rainy night. In the second, the tinkle of the
rain brings dreamy fancies with bright hues of recollection. In the third, the fondest memory
of his mother is stirred before him in all her gentle loveliness by the pattern of the rain.

Stanza - 1

When the humid shadows hover

Over all the starry spheres

And the melancholy darkness

Gently weeps in rainy tears,

What a bliss to press the pillow

Of a cottage- chamber bed

And lie listening to the patter

Of the soft rain overhead!

Word - Meanings
Humid- wet
Hover- remain in one place in the air
Starry -full of stars
Melancholy- sad
Bliss- happiness
Patter- a sound of drop
Chamber- room
Cottage- a small hut
Over head- above head
Questions:
(a)Who weeps in the form of rainy tears?
(b) What is considered as a bliss in the extract?
( c )Where does the poet lie?
(d)What does the poet do after lying?
Answers:
(a)The darkness weeps in the form of rainy tears
. (b)Pressing the pillow is considered a bliss in the extract.
( c )The poet lies in the cottage bedroom.
(d)Lying in his cottage bedroom, the poet listens to the patter of the soft summer showers
overhead on the roof.

Stanza -2

Every tinkle on the shingles

Has an echo in the heart;
And a thousand dreamy fancies
Into busy being start,
And a thousand recollections
Weave their air- threads into woof,
As I listen to the patter
Of the rain upon the roof.
Word- Meanings
Tinkle- ringing sound
Echo- reflected sound
Dreamy- dream like
Fancies- imagination
Recollections- memories
Weave- pattern of weaving
Woof- word to describe a sound
Questions:
(a)Who creates an echo in the heart?
(b)What happens to the mind of a busy being?
( c )Who weave the air thread into woof?
(d)What does the poet listen to?
Answers:
(a)The tinkle on the Shingles creates an echo in the heart.
(b)A thousand dreamy fancies start in the mind of a busy being.
( c )A thousand recollections weave their air- threads into woof.
(d)The poet listens to the patter of the rain upon the roof.

Stanza -3
Now in memory comes my mother,
As she used in years agone,
To regard the darling dreamers
Ere she left them till the dawn:
O ! I feel her fond look on me
As I listen to this refrain
Which is played upon the shingles
By the patter of the rain.

Word - meaning
Agone- past time
Dreamer- one who dreams
Ere- before Dawn, early morning
Fond look- loving gaze
Shingles- small round stones
Questions:
(a)Whom does the poet remember?
(b)How did the poet’s mother treat the dreamers?
( c )How does the poet feel regarding his mother?
(d)What is played upon the shingles?
Answers:
(a)The poet remembers his mother.
(b)The poet’s mother treated the dreamers with honour.
( c )He feels his mother is fond of looking on him.
(d)The music caused by the patter of rain is played upon the shingles.

Practice Questions;

1.Where does the poet lie?

(a) In a hotel
(b) In his office
(c) In his cottage
(d) In his friend’s house
2.Who weeps in the form of rainy tears?

(a) The poet

(b) The darkness
(c) The rain
(d) His friend
3. What is considered as a bliss in the poem?

(a) Moving outside

(b) Listening music
(c) Pressing the pillow
(d) Enjoying sweets
4.What does the poet listen?

(a) Music
(b) Patter of the soft showers
(c) Sound of storm
 (d) Call of his mother
5.Who weave the air thread into woof?

(a) A thousand recollections

(b) A skilled weaver
(c) The poet himself
(d) His friend
6. Whom does the poet remember?

(a) His father

(b) His sister
(c) His friend
(d) His mother
7. How did the poet’s mother treat the dreamers?

(a)With honour

(b) With hatred

(c ) By ignoring

(d) Carelessly

8.Who creates an echo in the heart?

(a) Chirping of the birds

(b) Tinkle on the shingles
(c) Temple bells
(d) Music he was listening
9.Recollections here means:

(a) Memories
(b) Imaginations
(c) Pictures
(d) Paintings
10. Poet of this poem is:

(a) Robert Frost

(b) S. Bharati
(c) Coates Kinney
(d) P.B. Shelly
ANSWERS

1. C 6. D
2. B 7. A
3. C 8. B
4. B 9. A
5. A 10. C

2 MARKS QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS(20-30 WORDS)

Question 1.

What is the setting of the poem?

Answer:

The poet is lying comfortably snug in his bed with his head pressed against the
pillow, in a room in his cottage listening to the patter of the soft rain as it falls on the
shingles of the roof.

Question 2.

How does the sky look before the rain falls?

Answer:

Before the rain falls, the weather turns humid and great dark clouds gather in the sky.
They cover the stars and spread darkness.

Q. 3

What are the poet’s feelings as the rain falls on the shingles?

Answer:

As the rain falls on the shingles, its tinkling sound creates an echo in the poet’s heart.
As he listens to the patter of the raindrops on the roof, his gloom is lifted and his
heart is filled with a thousand memories of his mother.
 Q.4 What feeling does every tinkle on the shingle create for the poet?

Ans. Every raindrop falling on the tiles of tile roof creates a rhythm with the poet’s
heartbeat. This evokes thousands of dreams making his thoughts busy. While he
focuses on the listening to the pitter- patter on the roof, his mind starts weaving
recollections of fond memories of yesteryears.

Q.5. Explain "Shingles". What is tinkling on the shingles?

Ans. Shingles are thin rectangular tiles, especially made of wood, that are laid with
others in overlapping rows to form the roof. Rain is making a sharp sound as it hits the
tiles.

3 MARKS QUESTIONS(40-50WORDS)

Question 1.

What is ‘a bliss’ for the poet in the poem Rain on the Roof?

Answer:

The poet loves rain as it brings his memories back. He thinks it is a bliss to hear the
patter of the rain on the roof. When it rains, he lies in his cosy bed and enjoys the
melodies of nature. The tinkling of rain gives him immense pleasure. It’s a bliss for
him.

Question 2.

What does the poet dream of?

Answer:
The poet dreams of his childhood days. He is lost in reveries. He recalls his mother’s
face. He feels as if his mother was fondly looking at him. He remembers how
lovingly his mother used to tell him stories. His mind is flooded with thousands of
memories.

Question 3.

“When the humid shadows hover over all the starry spheres.” What does the
‘shadows’ stand for? What does the poet want to convey?

Answer:

The humid shadows stand for the dark clouds. The poet imagines that the sky is full
of stars and it was suddenly covered with the dark and humid clouds.

Question 4.

‘And the melancholy darkness gently weeps in rainy tears.’ What does the
melancholy darkness mean and what does it do?

Answer:

The melancholy darkness stands for the clouds. The poet imagines that the clouds
covering the sky are in the state of depression. The poet further imagines that the
clouds are weeping in a gentle manner and their tears are falling down as rain drops.

Question 5.

How does the poet describe the falling rain in the poem ‘Rain on the Roof?

Answer:

The poet describes the falling rain as ‘the melancholy darkness gently weeps in rainy
tears’. The falling of rain creates pleasant sound and provides immense pleasure. The
poet loves to hear the melody of nature. He listens to the patter of soft rain on the
wooden roof and is lost in reveries. He considers it a rare happiness to listen to the
patter of the rain on the roof.
 Poem - A Legend of Northland

A. Value Points

● The story occurred in Northland where days are short and night are long.
● When the snow falls, people go for sledging. Children wear heavy woollen
clothes and look like bear cubs.
● The children are told some story to teach them an important lesson from their
parents.
● The story is related to the teachings of Jesus Christ and spread by Saint Peter.
● Travelling far and wide Saint Peter approached a little woman. She was making
cakes on the hearth.
● As Saint Peter was hungry and tired, he asked little woman to give him only one
cake.
● The little woman made a very small piece of cake but she was surprised at its
size.
● She made an even smaller cake, still, its size was big for her.
● She took an extremely small lump of dough made a small and thin wafer which
seemed bigger to her.
● She kept all the cakes on the shelf and turned away Saint Peter.
● Saint peter was tired and hungry. But her behaviour irritated Saint Peter.
● Saint Peter cursed the selfish little woman. He thought that she could not have al
the comforts of human life.
● Saint Peter cursed the selfish woman that she must bore the hard, dry wood to
get her food.
● The little woman was turned into a woodpecker and flew out of the top of the
chimney black like coal.
● The villagers had seen her digging into the bark of trees for food as a
woodpecker.

B. A Legend of Northland Summary

The poem is a legend about an old lady who angered Saint Peter because of her greed.
The story goes’ on like this. One day, Saint Peter was preaching around the world and
reached the door of a cottage where this woman lived. She was making cakes and baking
them on a hearth. St. Peter was fainting with hunger. He asked the lady to give him a
piece of cake. The cake that she was baking then appeared to be too big, so she did not
give him that and instead, she baked another smaller one. That also appeared to be big
so she did not give him that also. The second time she baked yet another smaller cake but
found it too big to give away. In the third attempt, she took an extremely little scrap of
dough and rolled it flat. She had it as thin as a wafer but was unable to part with that
also. This angered St. Peter a lot. He said that she was not fit to live in human form and
enjoy food and warmth. He cursed her and transformed her into a woodpecker bird who
had to bore in hard, dry wood to get its scanty food. She can be seen in the trees all day
boring and boring for food.

C. A Legend of the Northland Theme

The theme of A Legend of the Northland is that greed and selfishness can annoy even a
saint.

Long long ago, there lived an old lady in Northland. One day Saint Peter, while preaching
round the world, reached her door. She was baking cakes on her hearth. St. Peter, who
was fainting with hunger, asked the lady to give him a piece of cake. The selfish lady tried
to make a tiny cake for him. But as it was baking, she found it too large to be given away.
She tried baking two more times but even the smallest of cakes seemed too large to her.
Such greedy behaviour of the lady annoyed the hungry saint. He cursed her saying that
she was far too selfish to be a human, to have food, shelter and fire to keep her warm.
Thus, she was transformed into a woodpecker. All her clothes except her scarlet cap were
burnt black as she went up the chimney and flew out of the top. The old woman can still
be seen in the forest, boring into the wood for food.

D. Short Answer Questions:

Answer these questions in 20 – 30 words (02 Marks questions)

Q 1: Who came to the woman’s house and what did he ask for?

Q 2: Why do you think Saint Peter was tired and hungry?

Q 3: Why did the woman bake a cake as this as a wafer?
Q 4: Why did Saint Peter punish the woman? What did he turn her into?
Q 5: What do you get to know about the character of the little woman in the poem?
E. Short Answer Questions

Answer these questions in 40 – 50 words (03 Marks questions)

Q 1: What was the woman’s reaction when Saint Peter asked her to give him a cake?

Q 2: What happened to the cakes the woman baked for Saint Peter?

Q 3: What is the theme of the poem ‘A legend of the Northland ‘?

Q 4: Why did Saint Peter turn the little woman into a woodpecker?

Q 5: What do you learn about Saint Peter in the poem?

F. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions by choosing the correct
options:

1. Where they harness the swift reindeer

To the sledges, when it snows;
And the children look like bear’s cubs
In their funny, furry clothes:
They tell them a curious story —
I don’t believe ’tis true;
And yet you may learn a lesson
If I tell the tale to you.

Q (i): Who does ‘they’ stand for in the extract?

a). The old woman and her family members
b). Saint Peter and his friends
c). People of Northland
d). None of these

Q (ii). What is the style of the poem?

a). Sonnet
b). Ballad
c). Elegy
d). Ode
Q (iii). Why does the poet say “I don’t believe ’tis true”?
a). It’s too fictitious to be believed
b). It’s too magical to be believed
c). It’s a folktale with no valid evidence to support its content
d). All of these

Q (iv). Choose a synonym for ‘swift’…..

a). gaze
b). gradual
c). provoke
d). rapid

Q (v). Which poetic device is used in line “the children look like bear’s cubs”?
a). Simile
b). Metaphor
c). Personification
d). Alliteration

2. He came to the door of a cottage,

In travelling round the earth,
Where a little woman was making cakes,
And baking them on the hearth;
And being faint with fasting,
For the day was almost done,

Q (i): Why do you think Saint Peter was travelling round the earth?
a). To have a fun tour
b). To visit all the places of the earth
c). To give the message of love and peace to the people of the earth
d). To tell the people of earth about his divine status

Q (ii): What do you mean by “the day was almost done”?

a). The day had almost come to an end
b). The day was yet to be over
c). The day was about to begin
 d). The day had been wasted

Q (iii). Why do you think Saint Peter was fainting?

a). He was pretending to faint
b). He was feeling week and tired because of day’s fasting
c). Both (a) and (b)
d). Only option (b) is correct

Q (iv). Which poetic device is used in the line “being faint with fasting”?
a). Simile
b). Metaphor
c). Personification
d). Alliteration

Q (v). A synonym for ‘hearth’ is ……………..

a). Gas stove
b). Fireplace
c). Furnace
d). Chimney

3. Then she took a tiny scrap of dough,

And rolled and rolled it flat;
And baked it thin as a wafer —
But she couldn’t part with that.
For she said, “My cakes that seem too small
When I eat of them myself
Are yet too large to give away."

Q (i). We make a dough to prepare many food items. Choose the correct option that
enlists the food items prepared by making a dough.
(i). dough for making paranthas
(ii). dough for making samosa
(iii). dough for making palak paneer
(iv). dough for making Kachori
(v). dough for making halwa
 a). (i), (ii) and (iii)
b). (i), (ii) and (v)
c). (i), (ii) and (iv)
d). (ii), (iii) and (v)
Q (ii). What does this extract tell us about the little woman’s character?
a). She is mean
b). She is selfish
c). She is stingy
d). All of the above

Q (iii). Which poetic device / devices are used in second and third lines of the extract?
a). Anaphora
b). Metaphor
c). Both (a) and (b)
d). Only (b)

Q (iv). What was lady baking?

a). cakes
b). pudding
c). wafers
d). dough

Q (v). Which of the following statements is not correct about the little woman?
a). She is not very happy to give a cake to Saint Peter
b). The lady was very generous towards Saint Peter
c). The lady was turned into a wood pecker for being greedy and selfish
d). She was very mean and selfish

4. And he said, “You are far too selfish

To dwell in a human form,
To have both food and shelter,
And fire to keep you warm.
Now, you shall build as the birds do,
And shall get your scanty food
 By boring, and boring, and boring,
All day in the hard, dry wood."

Q (i). What is the poet’s tone in the extract?

a). gloomy
b). angry
c). glad
d). encouraging

Q (ii). Why did Saint Peter punish the little woman?

a). for being selfish and greedy
b). for being kind and generous
c). for insulting him
d). for not giving him divine status

Q (iii). The antonym of ‘scanty’ is…………..

a). Abundant
b). Immense
c). Ample
d). All of these

Q (iv). Which of the following words does not correspond with ‘Boring’?
a). drilling
b). to hollow out
c). to mine
d). to be dull

Q (v). What is the theme of the poem?

a). To tell us about the divine powers of Saint Peter
b). Teach children to be kind and generous
c). To tell us about the folktales of Northland
d). To tell us about the Northland region

ANSWER KEY

D. Short Answer Questions: (02 Marks each)

 1. Ans: Saint Peter, while preaching round the world, reached the woman’s door. He
had been travelling the whole day and was tired and hungry. When Saint Peter saw
the woman making cakes, he asked her for one of her large store of cakes.
2. Ans: Saint Peter was an apostle of Jesus Christ. He travelled around the land,
preaching the message of Christ. During the course of his journey, sometimes, he did
not get food and water. Besides, he had to observe fasts also. This often left him tired
and hungry.
3. Ans: The woman in the poem has been shown as being highly stingy, miserly, greedy
and mean by nature. Whenever she picked up a cake to give it away, it appeared to be
too large to give away. Hence, she baked a ‘ very small cake for Saint Peter that was
as thin as a wafer.
4. Ans: Saint Peter cursed the woman because she had been miserly and selfish. He felt
she was not fit to live in a human form and enjoy food, shelter and warmth. He turned
her into a woodpecker.
5. Ans: The woman in the poem is greedy and selfish. She has a large store of cakes but
refuses to give away even one that is as small as a wafer to a tired and hungry
traveller.

E. Short Answer Questions (03 Marks each)

1. Ans: When Saint Peter asked the little woman for a cake, she did not wish to part
with her cakes as she felt they were too large to be given away. So she made a small
cake for him, but, that too, seemed to her too big to be given away. In the end, she
made a very small and thin cake. But she did not give even that cake to St. Peter and
she put it away on the shelf.

2. Ans: The woman was greedy. When Saint Peter, tired and hungry, after his travels
arrived at her cottage and asked for a cake from her large store, she had no desire to
share anything with him. The woman tried time and again to bake a smaller and
smaller cake for Saint Peter. But even when the cake was as thin as water, the woman
felt the cake was too big to be given away to Saint Peter and she put it on her shelf.

3. Ans: Saint Peter once asked a woman baking cakes for something to eat. She was
selfish and did not give any cake . to the hungry saint. It made the saint angry. He
 turned the lady into the bird. The bird keeps on searching for her food the whole day.
We should not be greedy and always help the needy person.
4. Ans: Saint Peter turned the little woman into a woodpecker because she was very
greedy and selfish. She had refused to give even a cake as thin as a wafer to the tired
and hungry saint. So, as a punishment, she was turned to a bird who would have to
live in a nest and bore into wood for her food.
5. Ans: Saint Peter goes about the land preaching the message of God. As he goes on
his journey, sometimes, he does not get food and water. Besides, he has to observe
fasts also. This often leaves him tired and hungry. Despite being a saint, he is
provoked to anger and he curses the woman, and she is turned into a woodpecker.
Being a saint, he should have forgiven the woman and shown her some mercy.

F. Paragraph 1

Q (i): c). People of Northland

Q (ii). b). Ballad
Q (iii). d). All of these
Q (iv). d). rapid
Q (v). a). Simile

Paragraph 2
Q (i): c). To give the message of love and peace to the people of the earth
Q (ii): a). The day had almost come to an end
Q (iii). b). He was feeling week and tired because of day’s fasting
Q (iv). d). Alliteration
Q (v). c). Furnace

Paragraph 3
Q (i). c). (i), (ii) and (iv)
Q (ii). d). All of the above
Q (iii). c). Both (a) and (b)
Q (iv). a). cakes
Q (v). b). The lady was very generous towards Saint Peter

Paragraph 4
Q (i). b). angry
 Q (ii). a). for being selfish and greedy
Q (iii). d). All of these
Q (iv). d). to be dull
Q (v). b). Teach children to be kind and generous

POEM-- NO MEN ARE FOREIGN

VALUE POINTS/ LESSON NOTES-

1. The poet James Kirkup says us that no men are strange and no no countries are foreign
.We all live on the same earth.

2. We wear the same clothes on the same structure of our human body .

3. We live on the same earth and walk on the same land and after death we will be buried in
it.

4. All of us required the same things to live on the earth like we need sun, air, water, food
and shelter.

6. We live on the same earth and we have same activities of our day to day life like we all
sleep and wake up etc.

7. All of us long for love. When our needs and feelings are the same, then we should treat all
people equally.

8. We made our beautiful earth a hell by our own activities.

9. We defile the earth and we all live on by hating and fighting with one another. And we
pollute the air that we all breathe to serve our purpose and without taking into consideration,
its bad impact on other people.

10. We should learn to tolerate, forgive and compromise. Only this way our life would be
happy and peaceful.

SUMMMARY & THEME

In the poem “No Men are Foreign’’, the poet tells us not to distinguish people on the basis of
their appearance, religion, etc. People of the whole world are brothers. All people are born ,
wear clothes, eat food and at last die and buried in the same the earth .All of us have same
kinds of body parts. But it is we who defile the earth by hating and fighting with earth other.
We do the same work. All of us on earth sleep and wake up, love want to be loved. It is human
beings who hate others. We defile the earth and we all live on by hating and fighting with one
another. It is we who pollute the air that we all breath to serve our purpose and without taking
into consideration its bad impact on other people. All of us have eyes which remain open when
we are awake and close when we are asleep. He reminds the reader that whenever we hate
someone, we cheat and hate ourselves. Also, when we pick up weapons against someone, we
pollute the Earth and make it impure with the huge mounds of dead bodies strewn on it. We
can also say that it is a peace poem.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 20-30 WORDS.

1. How does the poet prove there are no foreign countries?

ANS: The poet proves it with the help of nature. Everyone shares the same sun, earth and
air. They have the same body structure and its functioning elements. So there should be no
biased attitude towards anyone.

2. What message does the poet want to convey?

ANS: The poet wants to say that there should be no discrimination between people on the
basis of their appearance, religion or region. It is inhuman to tease one because of one’s
different background. The poet wants that the people should discourage this malpractice
and love their fellow human beings from the bottom of their heart.

3. What does the poet ask us to remember in the last stanza?

ANS: The poet warns the ordinary and innocent people whose emotions and sentiments
are stirred by some selfish people. Their immoral acts and poisonous views don’t deserve
attention.

4. ‘Patriotism does not mean hating the people of other countries.’ Do you agree? Explain.

ANS: It is true that patriotism does not mean hating others. We should love our country
and have equal respect for others. We should always remember that no men are foreigners
and no countries are strangers.

5. ‘Are fed by peaceful harvest.’ What does it imply?

ANS: The poet conveys that all men are equal. No men are foreign. All the men living
across the world love peace. Peace is loved by all equally. It brings prosperity and
harmony.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 30-40 WORDS.

1. Nature doesn’t differentiate between men of different lands and races. Do you agree
with the given statement?

ANS: Nature never differentiate between men and men of different lands and races. It
transcends the differences. The sun gives it heat and energy to all. Similarly all of them
need air to breath and water to survive. During peace they prosper and have plenty of
food to eat. However, long wars starve them. They labour hard to survive with the same
kinds of limbs hands. We all are live on the same planet and we have same daily routine
and way of living. These differences are created by us not by the nature.

2. How are we alike? Explain in context with the poem.

ANS: We all are alike. We have same body and we need air to breathe, sun to get sunlight
and warmth and water for many purposes. Our daily routine is also almost the same. We
get up in the morning take a bathe, have breakfast and go to work or school. All of us long
for love. We all sleep at night and wake up in the morning. When our needs and feelings
are the same, then we should treat all people equally. We should not look down upon
anybody on the basis of his/her colour, caste, region or gender. We should treat everyone
as our brother and sister. Unfortunately, some self-centred people fight with others and try
to hurt them. They think that others have harmed them. We should not think that other
people are ‘others’. They are also our brothers. If they make any mistake, we should forgive
them or compromise with them.

3. Beneath apparent differences of lands, races and uniforms there lies the same body—
the human body. Comment?

ANS: No doubt, geography, religious, cultures and races divide lands and people. These
division lead to conflicts and wars. Such man-made differences pollute the minds of
people. Wars and conflicts defile the earth which is ours. Beneath all these divisions and
differences, we should understand and recognise ‘common life’ which is same in every
land. Hating the people of other lands means hating humanity and mankind. Let us weave
ourselves in the common wreath of humanity. Let us not defile and destroy this earth which
is ours. Let us understand once for all that all divisions of men are only superficial. The
same soul runs through all men. The same heart throbs in all—the heart of man.

4. The land our brothers walk upon. Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie!’ What
does the poet mean to say above lines?

ANS: The poet means to say in these lines that it is the same land on which we walk and
after our death would be buried in the same earth. Through these lines the poet tell us that
 we do all our activities on the same land. We get food from this land. We make our houses
on this land and we get many other things from the same land, then why do we say to some
people to be ‘others’. No one is other. We live in the same house or universe as a family.
Then why do we create discrimination against some people. Why do we fight with our
brothers? It is all because of our greed to get more wealth and power. We want to have
more wealth and power than others. In pursuit to fulfil this desire, we fight with others and
hurt them.

5. How are we responsible for war?

ANS: Everyone is responsible for war. If we start hating our brothers in the name of race,
religion, castes, region etc. will become the cause of tension. And the tension is converted
into war one day. So nobody should hate and despise anyone. We cheat and hate ourselves.
Also, when we pick up weapons against someone, we pollute the Earth and make it impure
with the huge mounds of dead bodies strewn on it. Our biased and impolite behaviour
towards the fellow human beings becomes the cause of unnecessary Wars.

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS-

1. Remember, no men are strange, no countries foreign

Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes
Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon
Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie.
(i) What breathes beneath all types of uniform?
A. A single type of body
B. A different race
C. A different colour
D. None of them.
(ii) What does poet want to say?
A. Everyone is different
B. All people are same
C. Both A & B
D. None of the above.
(iii) How are no men strange?
A. All men belongs to the same earth
B. All men wear the same clothes
C. Both A& B
D. None of the above.
(iv) The words and in the above stanza mean same as ‘unfamiliar or alien’.
 A. Strange
B. Foreign
C. Uniforms
D. Both A& B
(v) In the second line there is repetition of “b” sound as “body breathes”, what figure
speech is used here?
A. Alliteration
B. Simile
C. Metaphor
D. Personification

Q1. ANS: (i) A single type of body

(ii) B. All people are same

(iii) C Both A& B

(iv) D Both A& B

(v)A. Alliteration

Q2. They, too, aware of sun and air and water,

Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starved.

Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read

A labour not different from our own.

(i) To whom they refer in the first line?

A. People of same country
B. People of different country
C. People of other countries
D. All of the above.
(ii) What are people aware of?
A. Sun
B. Air
C. Water
D. All of the above.
(iii) How are people starved?
A. Long lasting wars in rainy season
B. Long lasting wars in winter season
 C. Long lasting wars in summer season
D. None of the above
(iv) What can be read in the lines of their hand?
A. Their interest for work
B. Their capacity of doing hard work and success
C. Their capacity of doing hard work and labour
D. Their desire for success
(v) What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza?
A. abcd
B. aaac
C. bcbd
D. no rhyme scheme

Q2. ANS: (i)C People of other countries

(ii)D All of the above.

(iii) B Long lasting wars in winter season

(iv) C. Their capacity of doing hard work and labour

(v)D. no rhyme scheme

“ON KILLING A TREE”

Value Points / Lesson Notes :

1. Dr.Patel is an Indian poet and a conservationist who has written this poem with grave
irony.

2. He is a passionate crusader for protection of our greenery and vegetation on this earth.

3. This poem is a symbolic composition. As evils are deep rooted in us, tree is also deep
rooted.

4. The poet says that it is not easy to cut down a tree because a simple jab of knife is never
enough to wipe its existence.
5. As the job of the knife was not sufficient, the poet advises us to hit the tree severely in the
form of hacking and chopping. This hacking and chopping would raise a pain to the tree but
not good enough to kill it.

6. The fighting spirit of the tree will make it alive again. From close to the ground it will start
a new life again by giving rise to new leaves and small boughs.

7. The poet has discussed the various ways of killing the tree, but still the tree has managed
to survive. The poet says that the roots needed to be pulled out of the earth where it has
stacked its strength.

8. When the tree is uprooted and left open in the surrounding, then the run starts drying it up
with the burning heat. This is the actual start of the death of the tree as the life – source of the
tree, it roots, are exposed.

9. The poet takes us into a detailed account of how we kill a tree, What suffering does it have
to face and how harsh our attitude is for the ones which is the breath of our lives.

10. This poem is written in Free verse ; So this poem has no rhyme scheme.

SUMMARY AND THEME OF THE POEM

“On killing a Tree” is a sarcastic poem. Gieve Patel tries to evoke sensitivity in the mind of
his readers towards killing of tree. In this poem, he says that a tree, grows after consumption
of years of sunlight, air and water slowly, so it is difficult to kill a tree. The simple cut, will
not destroy it completely as, it will heal and new branches and leaves will sprout again, for
the earth with nourish the roots to give the tree in former size. To kill it completely, the tree
must be uprooted entirely from the ‘Earth Cave’ and roped, tied and snapped out. The white
wet root should be exposed in the scorching heat and destruction takes place by chocking and
twisting and withering of the dried roots and then it is killed finally.

The poet is highlighting the evils all around us which have its deep – roots inside us.
He wants us to remove ourselves from these evils, which is an obstacle to our growth. We
should try to eliminate them permanently.

Very Short Answer type Questions (20-30 words each)

1. How does the tree grow?

2. What would happen if the tree is hacked and chopped?

3. How is the strength of the tree exposed?

4. What has been compared with ‘Leprous hide’?

5. How does the tree get killed in the end?

Short Answer type Questions (40-50 words each)

1. What does the root of the tree look like when it is pulled out of the earth – cave? What
happened to it when it is left exposed?

2. What relationship does the tree have with the earth?

3. What does the poet mean by ‘The strength of the tree exposed’?

4. How does the tree become strong? Explain.

5. What can a simple jab of a knife not achieve and why?

Two extracts from the poem, 05 MCQs each

1. It takes much time to kill a tree.

Not a simple jab of the knife

Will do it. It has grown

Slowly consuming the earth.

Rising out of it, feeding

Upon its crust, absorbing

Years of sunlight, air, water

And out of its leprous hide

Sprouting leaves

a. What is the meaning of ‘Jab’?

i) A curse

ii) A rough blow

iii) A gust of wind

iv) A wave

b. How has the tree grow to its size?

i) By not allowing its cutting

ii) By exploiting resources from the Earth

iii) By consuming the share of mankind

iv) By fighting all hurdles bravely

c. The word ‘Leprous hide refers to…………..

i) The invisible bark

ii) The discoloured bark

iii) The transparent branches

iv) The shady leaves

d. Find the word from the extract meaning ‘surface’.

i) Jab

ii) Earth

iii) Crust

iv) Leprous

e. Name the poetic device used in the phrase leprous hide.

i) Metaphor

ii) Simile

iii) Alliteration

iv) Transferred epithet

2. Then the matter

Of scorching and choking

In sun and air,

Browning, hardening,
Twisting, withering,

And then it is done.

a. Name the poem and the poet.

i) On killing a tree - Gieve Patel

ii) Wind - Vikram Seth

iii) Rain on the roof - Subramania Bharati

iv) No men are foreign - Sarojini Naidu

b. How are the roots choked and scorched?

i) By flooding with water

ii) By cutting into many fine pieces

iii) By burning gradually

iv) By exposing to sun and air

c. What does the poet mean by ‘then it is done’?

i) Finish the task assigned

ii) To put the tree to an end

iii) To go to deep sleep

iv) To eat fully

d. Which word in the extract is opposite to ‘softening’?

i) Scorching

ii) Hardening

iii) Choking

iv) Withering

e. Which rhyme scheme has been used in the extract?

i) Free Verse

ii) ab ab
iii) ab cd

iv) aa bb

ANSWER KEY

Very Short Answers (20-30 words each)

1. A tree takes years to grow to its full size, it’s root nurtures it by drawing nutrients from
deep under the earth. Sunlight, air and water provide nourishment to it.

2. The hacking and chopping of the tree would make the tree bleed, but this pain will be
relieved soon and the their will be new twigs and new boughs will take place which will
make the plant grow to its former size.

3. The tree is roped and tied so that the roots can be pulled out. When the roots are pulled out
from the underground, the strength of the tree is exposed.

4. ‘Leprous hide’ has been compared with the bark, which has got discoloured over a period
of time. It looks like that of someone, who has leprosy and the skin of the body has got
discoloured.

5. When a tree is exposed of its strength i.e. its roots then the sun and air burn it. They choke
it and the roots are exhausted. Thus, the tree is killed finally.

Short Answers (40-50 words each)

1. The roots of the tree is moist, anti - white when it is pulled out of the earth – cave. They
are tender and delicate, away from sunlight and air. When it is left exposed, it feel scorched
and choked in the sun and the air. Due to this exposure, it start to change its colour and
losing it’s tenderness and begins the slow decline of the tree.

2. A tree has a deep and nourishing relationship with the earth. The tree draws nutrients for it
from the soil and in turn, ensures that the soil remains in one place. The earth helps a tree
right from it birth to its survival, even a chopped tree grow again out of the stump because
the earth supports it. And in turn, the tree protects the soil and the earth.

3. The expression “the strength of the tree exposed” conveys that the roots of the tree, which
are its strength and source of life, are pulled out of the earth. Once exposed to the scorching
and chocking sun and air, the tree withers away and finally dies.
4. A tree grows on earth, feed on its crust and absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Thus,
it becomes strong and grows as the leaves sprout. The real strength of the tree lies in its
roots. The strength it has stored through a long period of hard work and patience.

5. A simple jab of a knife cannot kill a tree. It will only make the back ooze the sap and it
will heal again. The strength it has stored through a long period of hard work and patience
cannot be destroyed in one go. If one wants to kill a tree, it has to be pulled out of the
anchoring earth.

1. Extract from the poem.

a.(ii) A rough blow

b. ii) By exploiting resources from the Earth

c. ii) The discoloured bark

d. iii) Crust

e. i) Metaphor

2. Extract from the poem.

a. i) On killing a tree - Gieve Patel

b. iv) By exposing to sun and air

c. ii) To put the tree to an end

d. ii) Hardening

e. i) Free Verse

POEM – THE SNAKE TRYING

VALUE POINTS
 The poet of the of the poem is W.W.E. Ross.
Most of us consider snakes as harmful reptiles without giving it a rational thought.
The poet tries to convey the idea that not all snakes are harmful by depicting the
snake in poem as a victim in itself.
The poem is about a snake which is trying to escape from the possible stroke from a
stick.
The poem is written in free verse.
Poet describes the body of the snake as beautiful and his varying shapes due to
movements as graceful.
Snake is deemed harmless by conveying the fact that its harmless even to the
children.
Poet asserts that the snake initially lay on the sand, quietly , until it was observed and
chased away, indicating that it had no primal intention of causing harm to anyone.
Poet also describes as to how the snake just ‘vanished’ in the ripples among the green
slim watery plants.
Poem teaches us to be sympathetic towards creatures and preaches the principle of ‘
live and let live.’

THEME

Snake is generally assumed to be a dangeorus and poisonous reptile and is considered

by most of us as a fearful agent of death. Seldom would somoene like a snake’s sight. A
snake looks very frightening and sends chills down our spine. Albiet , the writer of this poem
brings out a different perspective about snakes.

The poet in this poem has tried to portray the snake as a victim in itself. The poet has
conveyed the idea that we must pause and act witha rational mind instead of being influenced
by hysteria and irresponsibility when we interact with this often harmless reptile as it does
not harm anyone unless it itself is harmed. Its intention of attack is only a reaction for self-
defense. Pain and anxiety of the snake and ruthlessness of the man is depicted in the poem.
The poet in the poem tries to convince the pursuer to allow it to escape because it was
harmless even to the children.

SUMMARY

Snakes are one of the many beautiful creations of nature. The poet W.W.E. Ross has written
about how a snake is trying to escape the onslaught of a pursuing stick. The poet has quite
heartily described the beauty and charm of the snake and has also appreciated the movements
of the snake. Poet describes how it tries to slip off and looks so beautiful while giving a
curvaceous shape to its slender and thin body. The snake tries to glide through the water to
get away . The poet hopes that it is able to make a safe escape. He pleads through his poem
to let the snake go off freely because it is a timid green snake which is absolutely harmless .
It does not even harm children . It was noticed while lounging on the sands , and now, it
escapes to the green reeds that would act as a disguise and save it .
 Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 5 x 2 = 10 marks ]

Question 1- What do people think about the snakes ?

Answer - The people think of snakes as fearsome symbols of death.

Question 2 - How is the snake's body?

Answer - The snake's body is thin and long.

Question 3 - What is poet willing for snake in the poem?

Answer - Poet is willing in the poem that the pursuer should let the snake escape.

Question 4 - Find out the words in poem which the poet uses to convey the beauty of snake.

Answer - The poet expresses snake's beauty in the lines / words, ' thin long body' , '
beautiful and graceful ' , ' small and green ' .

Question 5 : With what fact does the poet support his claim that the snake is a harmless
creature ?

Answer : The poet states the fact that the snake is harmless even to the children to convey
the harmlessness of the snake.
 Short Answer Type Questions [ 5 x 3 = 15 marks]

Question 1 - What does the poet appeal?

Answer : Every creature demands our sympathy and protection. The snake is small and is
harmless even to the children. The poet is a very kind and generous man. He is sympathetic
to the snake. So he appeals to let it go safely to his place.

Question 2 - Describe the natural beauty of the snake. Is the poet fascinated by it?

Answer : It is a small snake. It is green in colour. Curvings of its long body have their own
appeal. It’s shapes are graceful and beautiful. So are its movements. The harmless, graceful
and beautiful snake attracts the admiration and sympathy of the poet.

Question 3 - Do you agree that snake does not want to bite a man, it bites a man only when
it feels that the man is going to kill it?

Answer : I agree with this statement that a snake does not want to bite man, unless it feels
that a man is going to kill it. But people are of the opinion that all snakes are poisonous and it
is their nature to bite a man. So, they want to kill it.

Question 4 - Why does the man want to kill the snake?

Answer : The man follows a pre-built hysteria in him regarding snakes . He is fearful about
it and takes it as a symbol of death, he also thinks that the snake is poisonous and hence it is
better to kill it. The snake is trying to escape at a great pace so that the man cannot reach and
kill it.

Question 5 : What does the snake do to save itself ?

Answer : The snake makes sudden curvings out of his beautiful and thin long body to escape
the pursuing stick and glides through the water , among the ripples and onto the green , slim
watery plants , thus saving himself meticulously from the attack of the human.
 Extract 1 [ 1 x 5 = 5 marks
]

The snake trying

to escape the pursuing stick,

with sudden curvings of thin

long body. How beautiful

and graceful are his shapes!

Question 1 : Who is the poet of this poem ?

a) William Nottingham

b) Edward Slice.

c) W.W.E Ross

d) Peter Forge

Answer : c) W.W.E Ross

Question 2: What was the snake trying ?

a) Snake was trying to dig into the sand.

b) Snake was trying to bite the person.

c) Snake was trying to drink water.

d) Snake was trying to escape from being struck by the stick.

Answer: d) Snake was trying to escape from being struck by the stick.

Question 3: How did the poet praise the snake ?

a) Poet described the stick and its impact.

b) Poet described the children .

c) Poet praised the beauty and quick movements of the snake.

d)Poet Assumed the snake dead.

Answer: c) Poet praised the beauty and quick movements of the snake.

Question 4 : What word in the extract means ‘elegant’ ?

a)graceful

b)beautiful

c)curvings

d)pursuing

Answer: a)graceful

Question 5: What does the poet refer to by “sudden curvings of thin long body” ?

a) Stick’s make.

b)Water’s movements.

c)Snake’s body.

d) Nothing

Answer: c) Snake’s Body.

Extract 2 [ 1 x 5 = 5 marks
]

He glides through the water away

 from the stroke. O let him go

over the water

into the reeds to hide

without hurt.

Question 1 : How did the snake move forward ?

a) The snake flies.

b) The snake jumps.

c) The snake uses a boat.

d) The snake glides forward.

Answer : d) The snake glides forward.

Question 2 : Why does he do so ?

a) To enjoy the water.

b) To play with the children.

c) To escape being struck by the stick that was pursuing it.

d) To amuse the human.

Answer : c) To escape being struck by the stick that was pursuing it.

Queston 3 : Where does the snake go ?

a) The snake dives vertically deep into the water.

b) The snake follows the human to his house.

c) The snake goes into the reeds to hide himself.

d) The snake jumps across the street.

Answer : c) The snake goes into the reeds to hide himself.

Question 4 : What does the poet wish ?

a) The poet wants the snake dead.

b) The poet wants snake to follow him to his village.

c) The poet wants the snake to be allowed to go without hurt.

d) The poet wants the snake to be fed with water.

Answer : c) The poet wants the snake to be allowed to go without being hurt.

Question 5 : What are reeds ?

a) Large trees that grow in water bodies.

b) A family of snakes.

c) Water or marsh plants with thick stems.

d) Bodily movements of the snake.

Answer : c) Water or marsh plants with thick stems.

The Lost Child

MAIN/VALUE POINTS OF THE STORY –

1. This story is about a small child.

2. The child is being taken to the fair by his parents.

3. There are many attractions in the fair for the child like balloons, merry-go-round, toys, eatables, etc.

4. The child asks for these things from his parents.

5. The parents are walking in the fair. Hence, they have no desire to buy things for the child.

6. The crowd is thick and the parents try to move through it holding the hand of the child.

7. At one stage, the child is attracted by the roundabout. He slipped out of his parents’ hands by chance.

8. He starts crying asking for his father and mother.

9. A kind person picks the child up and tries to console him.

10. The person offers him balloons and other things which he wanted earlier.

11. But now the child does not want anything.

12. He keeps crying and saying, “I want my mother, I want my father.”

13. He just sobbed, “I want my father, I want my mother”.

14. A kind hearted man picks him up in his arms and tries to console him.

15. The person offers him all those things which he wanted earlier.

16. But now the child does not want anything.

17. His parents constantly kept watch over him.

18. Trilled by all these things, he lagged behind his parents.

19. So without waiting for an answer he moved on with them.

20. Panic-stricken he runs here and there he searches for his parents crying in real fear. “Mother, father.”
He realizes that he is lost.

Answer the following questions in 20 – 30 words.

1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?
 ANS. On his way to the fair the child sees toys, balloons of different colours, garland of gulmohur, a swing
and a snake – charmer playing a flute. He gets attracted towards all these things. So, he lags behind.

2. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?

ANS. The lost child loses interest in the things he had wanted earlier because he got lost in the fair. He
is panic-stricken for being lost. Now he first wants his parents. He is afraid and feels unsafe.

3. How did the boy try to catch the dragon-fly?

ANS. The boy saw a group of dragon-flies in a flowering mustard-field. Fascinated by this group of
dragon-flies he followed them. One of the dragon-flies stilled and rested its wings. As soon as the boy
tried to catch it, it went fluttering and flapping up into the air.

4. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?

ANS. Yes I feel that the child finds his parents at last. The kind-hearted person must have tried his best
to find his parents. On the other hand the parents of the child must have left no stone unturned to find
their child.

5. Enlist the things the boy asked his parents to buy for him.

ANS. There were several things in the fair that the boy wanted to have. He liked to have sweets, a
garland of gulmohur and balloons. Apart from all these things the boy had keen interest in the
roundabout and wanted to enjoy the music played by the snake-charmer.

Answer the following questions in 40 – 50 words.

1. In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?

ANS. The child wants many things in the fair. He wants to have toys, different sweets, garland, balloons
of different colours and has a keen desire to enjoy the roundabout. He moves on without waiting for an
answer because whenever he stops to see things, his parents gave him a cautionary call, “come, child,
come!”

2. When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

ANS. The child sees a roundabout in the fair and gets attracted to it. He wants to have a ride on it. He
asks his parents for permission to enjoy it. Having no response on the part of his parents he realises that
he has lost his way. He starts crying bitterly at once and runs here and there in search of them.

3. How did the father divert the boy from the toy shops?
 ANS. The boy had fascination towards the toys placed in the shops. As soon as he demanded toys, his
father looked at him in a rude manner. Being familiar with that particular look of his father, the boy
understood at once that he could not get the toys. So he diverted his attention to the new thing.

4. What did the child see at the corner of the entrance of the fair? What was his reaction?

ANS. The child saw a sweetseller hawking-“gulab-jaman, rasagulla, burfi, jalebi” and a crowd around his
counter. There were coloured sweets, decorated with leaves of silver and gold. On seeing the sweets his
mouth watered and he wanted to have burfi. But he moved on as he knew that if he demanded burfi, his
parents would not buy it.

5. How was the child lost in the fair?

ANS. The parents took the child to the fair. He was attracted by many charming things on the way. He
stood at one place and went on looking at things. The child saw a roundabout. He wanted to have a ride
on it. When he wanted to request his parents to let him enjoy a ride, he saw that they were not there. This
is how the child was lost.

Answer the following questions in 100 – 120 words.

1. Describe the journey made by the child to the fair.

ANS. On his way to the fair the child saw toys, balloons of different colours, garlands of gulmohur, the
swing and a snake-charmer playing a flute. He got attracted towards all these things. But his parents
could not get these things for their child. Dragon-flies fluttering on the mustard flowers attracted him. He
wanted to catch them. The child also got fascinated towards the little insects and worms. He wanted to
eat sweets and get other things. He made bold request for riding the roundabout but there was no
response on the part of his parents. The whole atmosphere of the fair was quite fascinating. He had never
seen such a huge crowd. He enjoyed every moment.

2. Write a character-sketch of the lost child.

ANS. A child visited the festival of spring with his parents. He had keen interest in different things. He
wanted to have them so he demanded for the same. The child knew that his parents would not accept his
request. He kept following his parents quietly. He wanted to enjoy the roundabout. So he stood near it.
But when he moved back, he found his parents nowhere. He became panic-stricken and cried for them. A
man from the crowd tried to help him by offering him different things. The child didn’t show any interest
in such things. The sole desire of the child was to see his parents. He thought his world was lost.

QUIZ
1. Who is the author of the lesson “The Lost Child”?

a) Sudha Murthy
b) Mulkh Raj Anand
c) Amrita Pritam
d) All of these

2. Where did the child go with his parents?

a) Village Fair
b) Cinema hall
c) Circus
d) All of these

3. Name the Characters in the lesson.

a) Parents
b) Generous man
c) The lost child
d) All of these

4. Who took the child to the fair?

a) Parents
b) Kind man
c) Friends
d) None of these

5. What does the story show?

a) Working of a fair
b) Working of a village
c) Village people are good
d) Working of a child’s mind

6. What did the child realize?

a) The fair was Charming

b) The toys were attractive
c) The parents are the most valuable asset
d) None of these

7. What did the child want to eat at the fair?

 a) Burfi
b) Pastry
c) Ladoo
d) Jalebi

8. Name the things that the child saw on his way to the fair?

a) Toys
b) Sweet and garlands
c) Balloons
d) All of these

9. Why did the child lag behind his parents?

a) Because of the stops he took to look closely at his favourite things

b) Because he was walking slowly
c) Because he was crying
d) All of these

10. What did the child do when he realized that he had lost his way?

a) Cried and ran here and there

b) Felt happy
c) Reported to the office
d) None of these

Answer key-

1.b 6.c

2.a 7.a

3.d 8.d

4.a 9.a

5.d 10.c
 Book- MOMENTS
Chapter- 2. The Adventure of Toto

VALUE POINTS
1. The writer’s grandfather liked to collect animals and had a private zoo at home.
2. Once he bought a monkey named Toto from a tonga driver for a sum of five rupees.
3. Toto was kept secretly as the grandmother disliked animals.
4. Toto was very mischievous and naughty monkey.
5. When the writer and his grandfather hid Toto in a cupboard, and tied him to a hook,
he broke the hook and caused havoc in the room.
6. The next day, when he was kept in the servants’ room along with other animals, he
did not let them sleep all night.
7. As grandfather had to go to Saharanpur for work, he decided to take the monkey
along with him.
8. He carried Toto in a strong bag made of canvas and closed the zip nicely so that Toto
could not escape.
9. Toto made unsuccessful attempts to get out of the bag, which made the bag jump
and roll.
10. This aroused the curiosity of fellow passengers at the railway station. At the
Saharanpur railway station, when grandfather was getting his ticket checked,
11. Toto peeked out of the bag and smiled at the ticket collector.
12. As the ticket collector declared that it was a dog, grandfather had to buy a ticket for
3 rupees, much to his annoyance.
13. When toto was accepted by grandmother, it was given a place in the stable along
with the donkey, Nana.
14. Toto did not get along with nana as well.
15. Toto enjoyed taking bath in warm water during the winter season.
16. One day, he almost boiled himself when he jumped into a kettle of boiling water.
17. One afternoon, Toto ate the family meal of pulao.
18. He threw the empty dish from the tree and it broke it into several pieces.
19. Toto’s mischiefs grew by the day and grandfather realized that they could not keep
him at home.
20. Finally, he found the same tonga driver and sold Toto back to him for a sum of three
rupees.
Questions to be answered in 20-30 words each – 5x2=10
Marks

1. How did Toto manage to escape from the closet? What does this reveal about the
monkey?
Ans. He pulled out the peg he had been tied to from the wall inside the closet and escaped
from it. This reveals how intelligent, resourceful and mischievous the monkey was.

2. Why did the Ticket-Collector not charge any fare for the tortoise?
Ans. According to the Ticket-Collector one had to pay only if carrying a dog in the train
and since it was not a dog Grandfather did not have to pay for it.

3. Did Toto and Nana become friends? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. No, they never became friends because Toto troubled Nana on the very first night he
was left to share the room with her. He bit the donkey, fastening on to her long ears with
his sharp little teeth.

4. What did Toto consider a treat on winter evenings? Why?

Ans. Toto loved sitting in warm water and when Grandfather would keep a large bowl of
warm water for his bath, Toto considered it a treat.

5. Cite one example to show that Toto was a mischievous monkey.

Ans. Toto loved tearing things to pieces and whenever anyone came near him, he would
make an effort to get hold of their dresses and tear a hole in it. He also threw down a large
plate of pulao to spite Grandmother.

Questions to be answered in 40 - 50 words each -

5x3=15 Marks
1. How did Toto almost boil himself one day?
Ans. :One day Toto found a large kitchen kettle left to boil on the fire. Finding the water
just warm enough for a bath, he got in with his head sticking out from the open kettle. This
was fine for a while until the water began to boil. Toto raised himself a little but finding it
cold outside sat down again. He continued hopping up and down for some time until
Grandmother pulled him out, half-boiled.
2. How did Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur?
Ans. He put the monkey in a big black canvas kit-bag with some straw at the bottom.
When the bag was closed there was no place for the monkey to escape from as he could
not get his hands out of the opening of bag which was tied securely, and the canvas was
too thick for him to bite his way out.

3. Do you think Grandmother was a keen lover like his Grandfather? Give reasons for
your answer.
Ans. No, Grandmother was not so fond of animals as it is mentioned she used to fuss a lot
whenever Grandfather got a new animal home. Also the fact that Grandfather had to return
the monkey to the tonga-driver because of its mischief was because of his fear of
Grandmother’s reactions to them.

4. Describe Toto the monkey that Grandfather bought from the tonga-driver.
Ans. Toto was a pretty monkey with bright eyes that sparkled with mischief under deep-
set eyebrows. He had pearly white teeth which he bared in a smile that frightened old
Anglo-Indian ladies. His skin was wrinkled, with his hands looking pickled in the sun. His
finger was quick and wicked and his tail acted as a third hand for him.

5. How do we know that Grandmother was not as fond of collecting animals as

Grandfather?
Ans. The fact that Grandfather had to hide the monkey, Toto in the closet after buying
him off from the tonga-driver tells us that he was afraid that Grandmother would create a
fuss if she saw that he had made yet another addition to his collection of animals. Thus we
get to know that she was not an ardent lover of animals as Grandfather.

Long Questions to be answered 100 - 120 words each- 2x5=10

Marks
1. Why does the author say that “Toto was not the sort of pet one could keep for long’?
Ans:
He says this because though the monkey was very pretty he was extremely naughty and
caused a lot of damage and destruction to the property at home which the family could ill-
afford. He broke dishes, tore down curtains, clothes and wallpaper. He tore the dresses of
the author’s aunts, troubled the other animals in the house and one day he climbed a tree
with a plateful of pulao which was meant for the family lunch.
He had intended to eat it but when he was scolded by Grandmother he threw it down
causing the plate to fall and all the food to go to waste. Therefore, Grandfather realised the
folly of trying to keep the monkey at home and returned him to the tonga-driver from
whom he had bought him in the first place.

2. Grandfather was a great animal lover. Discuss.

Ans:
Yes, Grandfather was a great animal lover. This can be proved from the fact that he had a
private zoo which housed a tortoise, a donkey, a tame squirrel, a pair of rabbits and a
monkey all in a cage in the servants’ quarters. In fact he paid a sum of five rupees for the
monkey who he felt sorry for as he found him chained to the water trough by the tonga-
driver. He also willingly travelled with not only the monkey but also a tortoise on his trip
to Saharanpur.
He also put up with the mischief and destruction caused by the monkey as far as he could
till he knew that the family would no longer support him in allowing the monkey to stay
with them. He finally sold him back to the tonga-driver for just three rupees.

QUIZ-

Q1- Who is the author of this lesson?

A) Khushwant Singh
B) Ruskin Bond
C) Jane Austen
D) W.B.Yeast
Q2- What is this story about?
A) humour and adventure of a naughty monkey, Toto
B) love animals
C) about habitatas of monkeys
D) None

Q3- From where did grandfather buy the monkey?

A) from the market
B) from a shop
C) from the jungle
D) from a tonga driver
Q4- Why was Toto kept secretly?
A) to save from other animals
B) because grandmother disliked animals
C) because he was naughty
D) None

Q5- What kind of water did Toto like to take a bath in?
A) cold water
B) snow water
C) warm water
D) ice water

Q6- Why did grandfather sell Toto back to its first owner?

A) because he was missing him

B) They were not well to do and were unable to afford mischievous Toto
C) because he didn't like him
D) none

Q7- Why did grandfather take Toto along with him at Saharnpur?

A) because he missed him

B) no one was at home
C) to save other animals
D) because he was too mischievous to give relief to other animals

Q8- How did the ticket collector fix the fare for Toto?

A) By calling him a dog

B) By following his rule book
C) By giving him a seat
D) By asking other passengers

Q9- Name the things Toto destroyed at the writer's home?

A) wall papers and clothes

B) curtains
C) dishes
D) all
Q10- Why was Toto called pretty?

A) because of shining mischievous eyes

B) Because of red color
C) because of his pearly white teeth
D) All

ANSWER KEY-
1-B
2-A
3-D
4-B
5-C
6-B
7-D
8-B
9-D
10-D

---------------------------------------***---------------------------------------

STUDY/SUPPORT MATERIAL OF ENGLISH FOR CLASS IX

VALUE POINTS/ LESSON NOTES
The kingdom of fools
In this chapter “In the kingdom of fools” the king and the minister were idiots as they
ordered all things to be reversed. They decided to change night into day and day into
night. They ordered all the people to do day’s work in night and sleep in the day. They
also declared that if they found anyone not obeying the new law would be punished till
death. So, all the people out of fear started working as they were ordered to do. This
delighted the king and the minister very much.
· A guru and disciple enter the city
Once a guru and his disciple reached the city. They found everyone asleep during the
day. They were surprised as no activity was observed. They wandered till evening. Then
the people started waking up. They started doing their businesses. Now the guru and his
disciple felt hungry. They bought some items to eat. They were amazed to see that the
price of everything was same there, i.e. a single duddu. This made the guru realize that it
was really a kingdom of fools.
· Guru leaves the city but disciple decides to stay

The guru at once decided to leave the city of fools. He asked his disciple also to leave
the place. But the disciple didn’t want to leave the place at all as it was very cheap there
to get anything to eat and survive. The guru advised the disciple that fools could not be
predicted at all. But the disciple didn’t care and remained behind. Time passed on. The
disciple ate to his stomach full. As a result, he became very fat.
· A thief breaks into a rich merchant’s house

One day a thief broke into a rich merchant’s house. When he was taking out the stolen
things, just then the wall of the old house fell on his head. He died on the spot instantly.
The brother of the thief went to the king and complained about his death. He blamed the
owner of the house for his brother’s death.
· The owner is summoned

The king summoned the owner of the house in his court. The king heard both the sides
and found the owner of the house guilty. The king accused him of killing the thief. But
the owner said that he was innocent. He said that the person who built the wall was
responsible. He didn’t make strong wall. After hearing this the king decided to summon
the bricklayer.
· The king summons the bricklayer
The king asked the bricklayer if he had built the wall. He accused him of killing the thief.
Before the king could order his death, the bricklayer pleaded to be innocent. He told the
king that he could not concentrate while building the wall because of a dancing girl who
was walking up and down in the street. So, she was responsible for it.
· The dancing girl is summoned
The dancing girl was brought to the court and the king charged her of killing the thief.
The dancing girl said that she was innocent and the goldsmith would be responsible for
it. She told the king that she had given some gold to him to make some jewellery for her.
He was lazy. He did not make the jewellery on time. So she had to walk up and down the
street many times. So, according to her, it was the goldsmith’s fault.
· The goldsmith and his plea

The king summoned the goldsmith and charged him of killing the thief. The goldsmith
replied to the king that there was a wedding in a rich man’s house. The rich man had
pressurised him a lot to make jewellery for him first. So he could not finish the jewellery
of the dancing girl in due time.
· The rich man is summoned before the king

The king declared the rich man to be the murderer of the thief. He was also the owner of
that house. But he said in his defense that his father had ordered the jewellery. At this the
king consulted his minister. He decided that the current owner was to be punished in his
father’s place. The king asked for a new stake to be made ready for the owner to die. But
 the owner was very thin and could not be executed. The king was worried about it. Then
he ordered to search a man who was fit for the stake. He should be executed.
· The disciple is in trouble

Unfortunately the disciple was found fit for the stake. He was brought to the place of
execution. The disciple now remembered his wise guru’s words. He prayed to his guru.
The guru had magic powers to see the past and the future. He saw everything. He arrived
at once to save his disciple. He told his disciple something in a low voice. The disciple
understood this.
· The guru’s trick to save his disciple

The guru and the disciple now started fighting. The guru wanted to die first. The king
asked the guru why he wanted to die. The guru told the king in his ears that their city was
unique. This was the stake of god of justice. The stake was new. It was never used earlier
on criminals. Whoever died on it first, would be born a king. Whoever died next would
be born as a minister.
· The king decides to die
The king thought over the whole case. He didn’t want to lose the kingdom even in his
next birth also. So, he talked to his minister. The king said that they would go on stake
themselves. Thus, they would be reborn as king and minister again. The king and
minister went secretly to the prison. They released the guru and the disciple. They put
themselves in their places. So, they were taken to the stake and executed.
· The guru and disciple become the king and the minister
The dead bodies of the king and the minister were taken down. The people started
mourning on their king and his minister’s deaths. They were worried about the future of
their kingdom. Suddenly some people suggested the guru and his disciple to be the new
king and minister. Meanwhile the guru and his disciple were trying to leave the city
secretly. People saw them and requested them to stay there and to be their new king and
minister. But the guru had one condition to change all old laws immediately. So, they
changed the laws and lived happily ever after.

QUIZ QUESTIONS-
1. In the Kingdom of Fools,………….
(A) the king was an idiot.
(B) the minister was an idiot.
(C) both the king and the minister were idiots.
(D) neither the king nor the minister was an idiot
2. The king and the minister did not want ……………
(A) to run things like other kings
(B) to change night into day.
(C) to change day into night.
(D) to make people work at night
3. The king and the minister ordered that ……………
(A) everyone should be awake at night.
(B) people should do their work only after dark.
(C) everyone should go to bed as soon as the sun rose.
(D) everyone should follow all the directions.
4. The king and the minister warned that anyone who disobeyed their orders
(A) would be turned out of the kingdom.
(B) would be punished with death.
(C) would be put into the prison.
(D) would be given lashes on the back.
5.When a guru and his disciple reached the city, ……………
(A) it was midnight.
(B) it was broad daylight.
(C) it was a cold evening.
(D) it was early dawn.
6. The guru and his disciple found that ……………
(A) everyone was asleep in the day.
(B) everyone was working in the day.
(C) everyone was asleep at night.
(D) everyone was moving about in the hot sun.
7. The guru and his disciple wandered around the town ……………
(A) till morning.
(B) till evening.
(C) till midnight.
(D) till noon.
8. It surprised the guru and his disciple to see that everything in the shops of the
town………. (A) cost a rupee.
(B) cost a duddu.
(C) cost too much.
(D) cost five rupees.
9.What was the disciple’s opinion about living there?
(a) he wanted to live and enjoy good food there
(b) he did not want to live there and cheap food
(c) he was afraid of the fools
(d) all the options are correct

10.What did the king and the minister decide to do?

(a) they decided to give money to everyone
(b) they decided to change the day into night and night into day

(c) they decided to change their capital

(d) they decided to punish all the wise men in their kingdom

Answers-
1.(C) both the king and the minister were idiots
2.(A) to run things like other kings
3.(D) everyone should follow all the above directions
4.(B) would be punished with death
5.(B) it was broad daylight
6.(A) everyone was asleep in the day
7.(B) till evening
8.(B) cost a duddu
9. (a) he wanted to live and enjoy good food there-
10. (b) they decided to change the day into night and night into day-

LONG QUESTIONS-
1. Name all the people who are tried in the King’s court, and give reasons for each of their
trials. Answer: A large number of people are tried in the King’s court, starting with the rich
merchant. It was his house that the thief tried to enter, but died when a wall collapsed on
him. He was called for trial when the thief’s brother blamed him for his brother’s death.
The next person to be tried was the brick-layer, who had built the house. He was put on trial
for having built such a weak wall that had collapsed. After that, a dancing girl was put on
trial, because the brick-layer accused her of distracting him by walking up and down the
street with her anklets jingling while he was building the wall. The girl, however, blamed the
goldsmith for not having made her ornaments on time, which caused her to go up and down
the street.
 The goldsmith was then put on trial, but blamed a rich merchant for pressurising him to
make ornaments, because of which he could not complete the dancing girl’s jewellery. This
rich merchant turned out to be the father of the merchant whose house had been broken into.

2. How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?

The guru is a wise and intelligent man. He traps the foolish king in his talks. He says
that as he is the Guru, he is senior to his disciple and so, he should be killed first. The
king gets confused to see the Guru’s eagerness to die. He asks him the reason for it. On
being promise that he would be killed first, the Guru says that as the stake is a new one, it
has not killed any criminal. He adds that the person who would be killed by the state first
would be reborn as the king of the kingdom. The second person who would be killed by
the stake would be reborn as the Minister of the kingdom. The king considers the Guru
to be genuine and so, tells his minister that they should not lose their kingdom in the next
birth. In this way, the king decides to save his kingdom and get himself and his minister
killed by the stake in place of the guru and his disciple. Hence, the Guru saves his
disciple’s life.

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS-

1. Why was the kingdom called the Kingdom of Fools?

Answer: It was called the kingdom of fools because the Kind and the minister were idiots.
They decided to change night into day and day into night, and ordered everyone to wake at
night and sleep during the day.
2. What astonished the guru and disciple at the grocer’s shop?

Answer: They were astonished that everything at the shop whether a measure of rice or a
bunch of bananas cost the same, i.e. a duddu.
3. What made the disciple grow fat?

Answer: The disciple ate his all the bananas, ghee, rice, and wheat, which cost only one
duddu. As a result, he grew fatter and fatter.
4. Do you think the plea made by the thief s brother was strange? Give reasons for your
answer.
Answer: Yes, it was strange, because instead of hiding the fact that his brother was a thief,
and had died trying to rob the merchant’s house, he went to the King without any fear and
demanded justice.
5. Why did the King and the minister decide to take the place of the guru and the
disciple?
Answer: The King was not keen to lose his kingdom to someone else, even in the next life.
Thus, he decided to die instead of the guru. He then made his minister agree to go along with
him so he could continue to be his minister in the next life as well.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS-

1. Who is the real culprit according to the King? Why does he escape punishment?

Answer: According to the King, the real culprit was the rich merchant’s father, who had
ordered the goldsmith to make jewellery. Since he was not alive, his son would have to
be punished in his place as he inherited all his property. He escaped punishment because
when the stake for impaling the criminal was sharpened and ready, the minister felt that
the merchant was somehow too thin to be properly executed on the stake. He appealed to
the King, who agreed with this observation. They thus decided that they needed to find a
man fat enough for the stake.
2. What are the Guru’s words of wisdom? When does the disciple remember them?
Answer: The Guru had told his disciple that the place was a kingdom of fools and it is
very much unsafe for them to stay there. He had advised his disciple to leave the place at
once. The disciple remembers his Guru’s words of wisdom when he lands into trouble.
When the king's men take him for execution, he prays to his Guru and asks him to save
his life.
3. How does the goldsmith save himself from the wrath of the King?
Answer: The goldsmith blamed a rich merchant for pressurising him to make some
jewellery for him, thereby not leaving him with any time to complete the dancing girl’s
jewellery. Therefore, he blames the rich merchant for being indirectly responsible for the
thief’s death and saves himself.
4. How did the thief die?
Answer: The thief died while carrying out his loot from the house of a rich merchant.
The wall of the old house collapsed on him and killed him on the spot. It was an
accident but his brother complained to the king against the owner of the house for
making a weak wall.

5. “The disciple did not obey his guru.” Do you think his obedience would have saved
him from trouble?
Answer: The disciple did not obey his guru and found themselves in big trouble.
Certainly if he had followed his guru and left the kingdom with him, he would not
have been in trouble. But he was greedy and decided to remain in the kingdom
because everything was very cheap there. He used to eat to his stomach fill and
became fat.

HAPPY PRINCE
VALUE POINTS

1. High above the city on a tall column stood a statue of the Happy Prince.
2. When he was alive and had a human heart, he lived in a palace, where sorrow is not
allowed to enter. Courtiers called him the Happy Prince
3. His statue is decorated with gold leaves and precious stones.
4. He feels sad because he is unable to help the people who are crying with misery.
5. One night there flew over the city a little swallow, whose friends had gone away
to Egypt six weeks before, but he stayed behind.
6. He saw the golden statue and decided to stay for a night under the statue.
7. As he was about to sleep a drop of water fell on him. He was astonished to see
the drop of water fell on him was from the eyes of statue.
8. Eyes of statue were full of tears. He asked why he wept. Prince replied that he
could see the misery of people of city.
9. Prince requested the swallow to help him help the people of city to fulfill their
needs.
10. Prince asked the swallow to stay with him for one night and be his messenger. He
asked the swallow to bring out the ruby out of his sword and deliver it to seamstress.
11. The swallow returned to the Prince and informed that after doing that work he
was feeling quite warm.
12. The swallow acted as his messenger. He distributed all his wealth (precious stones
put in place of eyes, put on hilt of sword, leaves of fine gold), among the needy
people.
13. Swallow was very sad to see the blind Prince and decided to stay with him forever.

14. The poor little grew colder and colder. He kissed the Happy Prince on the lips,
and fell down dead at his feet.

15. His death broke the Happy Prince’s heart.

16. The next morning the Mayor and Town councilors looked at the statue. “Dear
me! How shabby the Happy Prince looks!” he said. They pulled down the statue
of the Happy Prince.
17. They melted the statue but failed to melt the leaden heart.

18. One day God asked one of his angels to bring two precious things from earth.
The Angel brought the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow.

19. God was pleased with angel’s selection.

20. The prince and the swallow were given a permanent place in heaven. Then they
lived happily in heaven.

Multiple choice questions:

1. What was the body of the Happy Prince gilded with?

(a) flowers
(b) silver leaves
(c) thin leaves of brass
(d) thin leaves of gold
2. Where was the little swallow going?
(a) to Egypt
(b) to India
(C) to Cylons
(d) to Syria
3. What does the Happy Prince ask the little swallow to take to the poor lady?
(a) an orange
(b) a sapphire
(C) a ruby
(d) a bag of coins
4. What was the profession of the woman who was sitting in her cottage with
prickled hands?
(a) Seamstress
(b) cake-making
(c) charwoman
(d) none of these
5. What did his courtiers call him when he was alive?
(a) The Happy Prince
(b) Maharaja
 (c) Yuvraj
(d) Lord
6. What did the swallow notice while flying over the city?
(a) plight of the poor and greed of the rich
(b) many people and their plight
(c) many poor people
(d) many waste things
7. Why did Happy Prince give away all his
assets?
(a) to eradicate misery and sorrow from his city
(b) to show his power
(c) to show his richness
(d) None
8. What did Swallow do to be with Happy Prince?
(a) helped him flying here and there
(b) stopped flying to distant places
(c) sacrificed his trip to Egypt
(d) All
9. Where did the Swallow die?
(a) in the city
(b) under the fountain
(c) at the feet of the Statue
(d) in a house
10. Why were Prince and the Swallow so precious?
(a) because of their kindness and selflessness
(b) because of their services
(c) because they had many possessions
(d) because they were rich
Answer key: 1(d), 2(a), 3(c), 4(a), 5(a), 6(a), 7(a), 8(c), 9(c), 10(a)
Questions to be answered in 20-30 words:
1. What were the drops of the rain actually? Why did they fall?

Ans. The drops of rain were actually the Happy Prince’s tears. The Happy prince was
sad and moved by the widespread poverty and misery. He had always seen happiness
 around him. He could not fathom that people were sick and crying because of the misery
around them.

2. Why was the Happy Prince not really happy?

Ans. When the ‘Happy Prince’ was alive, he did not know what tears and sorrow were.
After his death, he could see the ugliness and misery of the city. Therefore, he weeps and
is not really happy.

3. How did the Happy Prince help the poor children in the city?

Ans. As per the orders of the Happy Prince, the gold leaves and the jewels on his
body were taken out by the swallow and distributed among the poor. Thus, the
Happy Prince was able to help the poor children in the city.

4. Why did the town councillors decide to pull down the statue of the Happy
Prince?

Ans. The Town councillors decided to pull down the statue of the Happy Prince because
the statue was no longer beautiful and it looked dull and shabby. Precious stones and
golden leaves were gone from the statue and now it looked little better than a beggar.

5. What is the moral of the story The Happy Prince?

Ans. The moral of the story is that we must help the poor and the needy. The Prince set
an example of this by giving his jewels to the poor. The swallow also proved to be a
great example of love and sacrifice.

Questions to be answered in 40-50 words

1. Where was the swallow going? Why did he decide not to go there?
Ans. The swallow was going to Egypt to join his friends who had already reached there
six weeks ago. Initially, he had stopped by only for a night to break his long journey but
later got so attached to the Happy Prince that he could not bear to see him crying. He
stayed back to be his messenger.
2. When did the Prince first ask the swallow to stay on? Why?
Ans. The Prince first asked the swallow to stay on for the night when he had seen the
poor seamstress and her sick son. The Prince’s feet were fastened to the pedestal and
hen could not move. So, he needed the help of swallow in bringing relief and joy to the
seamstress and her hungry and sick son.
3. Describe the young man in the garret. Why could he not able to complete
his play?
Ans. He was a young playwright leaning over a desk covered with papers. His hair was
brown and crisp and his lips were red. He had large and dreamy eyes. He was trying to
finish a play for the theatre. But he was feeling cold as there was no firewood, and
hunger had made him faint. So, he could not be able to finish his play.

4. How did the swallow become the Prince’s eyes?

Ans. The swallow stayed back with the blind Prince. He would fly over the city and see
its people in all their colours. He would report their miseries and sufferings to the Prince.
Then, on the Prince’s orders, he would pluck the golden leaves from his statue and give
them to the needy.
5. What did the swallow do when he realised that he was going to die? How did
the prince respond?
Ans. On realising that he was going to die, the swallow gathered his strength and flew up
to the prince’s shoulder. He bade him goodbye and sought permission to kiss his hand.
The Prince thought that the swallow was going to leave for Egypt so permitted to kiss
him on his lips instead, as he loved him.

Questions to be answered in 100-200 words

1. True happiness is found only in making others happy. Comment with reference
to the story ‘The Happy Prince’.
Ans. There are fun, happiness and thrill of buying things for ourselves and enjoying life
on your own but the real happiness gets from making others happy is far greater and
deeper than any happiness. We can get them by doing things for others. There is a
Chinese proverb, “Fragrance clings to the hand that gives roses”. The fragrance of
happiness clings to the heart that spread happiness to others. In the story, the happy
prince could not see the misery of people. He lived a comfortable life inside the palace
and never saw the misery and ugliness of the people around him but in the form of the
statue when he witnessed the pathetic condition of the poor he sacrificed all his precious things to
serve the suffering humanity and got everlasting happiness in heaven.

2. Goodness can never be destroyed.’ Do you agree? Illustrate with reference to the story
‘The Happy Prince’.

Ans. Yes, I agree with the statement, “Goodness can never be destroyed”. In the story the Happy
Prince had goodness for all. He had a kind heart and was moved by the widespread poverty and
misery of the people. So, he had his great will to help others in adverse circumstances. He gave his
eyes, gold and jewels to the poor. The swallow was the messenger of the Happy Princes. When the
swallow died at his feet, the heart of the Happy Prince was broken into two due to its death. The
statue of Happy Prince was no longer useful and beautiful. It was pulled down. When the statue
was melted in a furnace, the leaden heart did not melt because goodness can never be destroyed.

Weathering Storm in Ersama

“WE CAN’T HELP EVERYONE,

But

EVERYONE

CAN HELP SOMEONE.”

The story gives an account of the storm that hit the coastal town of Ersama in Orissa
state in the year 1999.

Prashant went to meet one of his friends who lived in Ersama. The place was eighteen
kilometres from his village. In the evening, a super cyclone came. There was heavy and
continuous rain. Prashant and his friend’s family members took shelter on the roof.
Prashant was shuddered by the destruction caused by the cyclone. There was a sheet of
water everywhere. All the houses had been washed away. Bloated dead bodies of
animals and human beings were floating everywhere. The destruction caused by the
cyclone and the waves of the ocean continued for the next thirty-six hours. Two days
later, the rain ceased, and the rainwater slowly began to recede. Prashant was worried
about his family. He bid farewell to his friend and set out for a journey towards his
village. He used stick to locate the road. After some distance, he met two of his uncle’s
friend. They had to push away many human bodies and animal carcasses floating on the
surface of water. They could barely see a house standing. He feared that his family
could not have survived the cyclone. At last, he reached his village Kalikuda. His heart
sank when he saw the condition of his house which was completely devastated.
Prashant went to the Red Cross Shelter in search of his family. Fortunately, his family
was alive. They were extremely glad to see Prashant. He came to know that eighty-six
lives were lost in the village and all the ninety- six houses had been washed away.
Prashant took initiative and decided to help villagers to rehabilitate. He organised a
group of youths and elderly people who requested the local merchant to provide rice to
the starving people. Plan were also made to clean the place of vomit, floating bodies,
filth and urine etc from the place. Meanwhile attention was also given to injured in the
camp. Food packages were dropped by the government helicopter but were not reaching
people as they were dropped randomly. When the helicopter did not return, it was
decided to make children lie down on sand with empty plates on their stomach.

The message was received and reciprocated with more food. There was lot to be done at
the camp. Orphaned children were given a separate place of their own and women in
the camp were given the task of looking after them. Some men were put in charge of
securing food and other in charge of distributing it. Sports activities were organised to
keep away depression from the camp. An important decision was taken for orphaned
children were to find home with widows. This way both got company for life. Even
after passage of six months Prashant remained the face that was sought by everyone in
hours in pain. His own pain receded by helping others.

Very Short Answers (20 to 30 words)

Q1. Where were Prashant and his Friend’s family during the two days of the super
cyclone?

Ans. The rainwater was entering the house during the super cyclone. So, Prashant and
his friend’s family remained on the roof of the house for two days. They got their food
from the tender coconuts of the tree which had fallen on the roof of the house.

Q2. What was the thought that came to Prashant’s mind when the rain ceased?

Ans. Prashant was worried about his family. The only thought that flashed through his
mind was whether his family had survived the fury of the super cyclone.

Q3. How did the villagers make the helicopters drop regular quantities of the food?

Ans. They deputed children to lie there with empty utensils on their stomachs. This was
done to communicate the helicopters that they were hungry. The scheme worked and
the helicopters started dropping food regularly.

Q4. What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

Ans. Super cyclone devasted everything in Orissa. Prashant motivates peoples for self-
help. People came together to help each other. Women took care of cooking and
looking after orphaned and injured. This happens in normal life also. In spite of being
grief stricken the women started working in the food-for-work programme started by an
NGO. Women manage household nurturing everyone.

Q5. What did Prashant do for the orphans?

Ans. Prashant found that many children had been orphaned. He set up polythene shelter
for them, helped them to resettle in their own societies through adoptions and foster
families. He organised matches etc. to help them recover.
_________________________________________________________

Short Questions (40 to 50 words)

Q1. Describe how Prashant reached his village after the cyclone?

Ans. The destruction caused by the cyclone and the waves of the ocean continued for
the thirty -six hours. Two days later, the rain ceased, and rainwater slowly began to
recede.

Prashant was worried about his family. He took a long stick and started on for the
eighteen kilometres long and difficult journey to his village. There was water
everywhere. He had to use his stick to locate the road. Sometimes, he lost the road and
had to swim. After some distance, he found two friends of his uncle. They decided to
move ahead together. They had to push away many human bodies and animal carcasses
floating on the water. His heart sank on seeing the extent of damage that his village had
sustained.

Q2. How have the people of the community helped one another?

Ans. The people of the community got together and began to help one another under the
leadership of young Prashant. Together they persuaded the merchant to part with his
rice for the people in the shelter. They gathered branches from fallen trees and lit a fire,
on which they cooked rice for all to eat.

When the military helicopter dropped food parcels but did not return, the youth
gathered empty utensils from the shelter and made the children lie in the sand with the
utensils on their empty stomach to communicate to the passing helicopters that they
were hungry. The message went through, and the helicopter made regular rounds to the
shelter, airdropping food and other basic needs.

Women were mobilized to look after the orphans, while the men secured food and other
necessary materials for the shelter.

In adversity, people come forward to help one another.

Q3. Why do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for
orphans and widows? What alternatives do they consider?

Ans. Prashant and the other volunteers resisted the plan to set up institutions for
orphans and widows because they believed that in such institutions children will grow
up without love and affection and widows would suffer from stigma and loneliness.

Instead, they suggested the alternative of ‘setting foster families’. They emphasized that
children and widows should be resettled in their own community where they can get
home environment. To create a sense of belongingness and to foster love and affection
they planned to complement the needs of orphaned and childless people. They brought
them under one roof to heal their mental wounds.

Q4. Describe the reaction of Prashant’s family on seeing him? Why Prashant decide to
step in and lead the villagers?
Ans. When Prashant’s family saw him, they were filled with happiness. Although the
cyclone has devastated everything, the presence of Prashant gave immense happiness to
his family. Prashant was also overjoyed to see that his family was alright and were
away from danger.

Prashant recollected himself and realised that the people at the shelter were being
engulfed by a deathly grief and there wasn’t enough food for the survivors. He also
realised that someone had to show the people a way out of the situation and gain control
over their feelings and emotions.

Q5. Justify the title of the story ‘Weathering the storm in Ersama’.

Ans. The title is quite suitable and straight forward. It is related to a super cyclone that
struck Ersama, a small town of coastal Orissa. The cyclone struck Ersama on 27
October,1999.

The main focus is on ‘weathering’ that is facing the storm. It was devastating as the
storm brought death and destruction in Orissa. The story tells us about the collective
efforts to weather the natural calamity.

We cannot do anything to prevent or stop natural calamities. But one thing is quite clear
that we can make collective efforts to withstand the wrath of such calamities.

_____________________________________________________________

Long Questions (100 to 120 words)

Q1. The future of a country depends upon the power of youth. Explain how Prashant
organised the youth in Ersama to help the cyclone-affected people. Do you think young
people can get together to help people during natural calamity? Explain.

Ans. Yes, Prashant is a great leader. Though he himself was too grief-stricken got hold
of himself and decided to step in as the leader of the village. He carried out his role
effectively and helped the people of his village in every possible manner.

He organised a group of youth and elders to convince to part some rice for the people
living in the shelter. He was successful in this task. His next task was to organise a team
of youth volunteers to clean the shelter and to tend to the wounds of the people who had
been injured because of cyclone. He persuaded women to look after the orphans. He
organised games for the children. Prashant managed to unite everyone and chaired them
to work for each other. He became a ray of hope for all.

Yes, young people can definitely get together to help people during natural calamities.
They can use their strength and vigour to help people. Young people should be
educated in a way that offers them adjusted knowledge and develops their capacity for
crisis management and preparedness and ensure their readiness for future emergencies.
Youth can act as change makers by sharing information they learned in youth
preparedness programs and helping parents and communities to prepare for disaster, for
example by developing a disaster plan or disaster preparation kit.
Q2. The widows and orphans of village Kalikuda remember Prashant’s help after the
cyclone with gratitude. Explain how Prashant helped them in their darkest hour of grief.

Ans. Gratitude is a warm feeling of thankfulness towards specific individuals. Helping

others is a fundamental part of humanity, bonding together and helping a fellow man or
woman. In times of tragedy, the stories of those who help others are inspiring. Prashant
devoted his time in serving his people. His handsome, youthful face is what the widows
and orphaned children of his village seek out most in their darkest hour of grief.

The super cyclone washed the houses away and destroyed hundreds of villages. It killed
thousands of people. People became homeless. Women became widows and many
children who had lost their parents became orphan. They were filled with fear and
groaning for the dead.

Prashant took initiative to rehabilitate widows and orphans in best possible ways. He
had deep sympathy for them. He could not tolerate the deplorable condition of women
and children.

He along with other volunteers resisted the plan to set up separate institutions for
orphans and widows. The group decided to rehabilitate them in their own community.
He decided to get them engaged and start their lives again. So, he persuaded the women
to work in the food-for-work programme. He also organised cricket matches and other
sports events to bring joy into the lives of the children.

Prashant’s leadership qualities come to the fore in the crisis and help women and
children to start afresh. He became a hero and a ray of hope for them.

_____________________________________________________________

MCQ QUIZ

1.How did Prashant clean the filth?

(a) With the help of volunteers

(b) with machines

(c) hired sweepers

(d) none

2. Whom did the flood victims send signals to for food help?

(a) Military helicopters

(b) Strangers

(c) People of the town

(d) Government
3. What was the impact of the cyclone?

(a) destruction

(b) homes were lost

(c) many lives were lost

(d) all

4. Why did Prashant and other volunteers not want a separate institution for widows and
orphans?

(a) to save them from isolation and grief-stricken feelings

(b) for their personal benefits

(c)to take work from them

(d) none

5. How did people in Ersama survive during the storm?

(a)by eating tender coconut and remaining on the rooftops

(b)remaining in the water

(c)by hanging on trees

(d)all

6. What was the name of Prashant’s village?

(a)Maligudi

(b)Kalikuda

(c)Ersama

(d)None

7. What did Prashant love to play?

A) badminton

B) football
C) cricket

D) chess

8. After arranging food for the cyclone survivors, what was Prashant’s next task?

(a)To tend the injured people

(b)To clean the filth at the village caused by the cyclone

(c)To distribute books to the children

9. What did Prashant find about the children who survived the cyclone?

(a)The children lost their brothers

(b)The children were drowned into poverty

(c)A large number became orphans

(d)The children were happy to see water all over

10. As the weeks passed, what did Prashant recognize quickly in the chapter
‘Weathering the Storm in Ersama’?

(a)There might be another dreadful cyclone

(b)Soon a pandemic is going to hit the village

(c)Many people have died

(d)Women and children were sinking in grief even deeper

MCQ Answers

1. (a)

2. (a)

3. (d)

4. (a)

5. (a)

6. (c)

7. (c)

8. (b)

9. (c)
 10. (d)

The Last Leaf

Short summary

'The Last Leaf by O. Henry deals with the idea that the noblest deed or achievement is the one which
results in the saving of a precious life.

Nothing is greater than the deed of giving hope to a dying man. The story also brings home the point
that life ceases to exist without hope. It is only our hope to live that sustains us in any adversity. If a
patient, for example, loses hope, no medicine on earth can save him or her. In the story, Johnsy who
catches pneumonia loses her willpower to live. she comes to believe that with the fall of the last leaf on
an ivy, she will breathe her last. An old artist Behrman gives her new life by painting a leaf on the wall
just before the last leaf falls. The last leaf is really his long-cherished masterpiece.

It is sue who tells how Behrman painted a leaf on the wall when the last leaf fell. The last leaf proves to
be Behrman's act of self-sacrifice, his masterpiece.

Thus, the story underlines the fact that even a poor, neglected person is capable of doing a noble act. Old
Behrman proves by his self-sacrifice that true art sustains life.

Questions:-

Answer of the following questions in 20 to 30 words.

Q1. What is Johnsy's illness? what can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?

Ans. Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia. her illness is more psychological and less physical. She
has developed a strange fancy. she feels that she would die with the falling of the last leaf
on the ivy creeper. Only a strong will power can cure her.

Q2. What did the doctor tell Sue?

Ans. The doctor said that she would not recover unless he had a wish to live. It seemed to the doctor
that Johnsy had no willingness to live in state of depression.

Q3. What kind of friend was Sue to Johnsy?

Ans. Sue and Jonnsy were fast friends. They loved each other in the state of illness Sue helped her
like a mother. she tried her best to take her out of depression.

Q4. Do you think the feeling of depression of Jonnsy is common among teenegers?

Ans. To some extent this feeling of depression is common among teenegers but their situations
in life are different. If they live in a family and are strong willed their depression might not affect
them.

Q5. What was Johnsy superstitious belief?

Ans. Jonhsy had developed a supersititious belief that she would breathe her last as soon as the last
leaf of the ivy creeper fell.
Answer the following question in 40 to 50 words.

Q1. Behrman had a dream what is it? Does it come true?

Ans. Behrman had a dream to paint a masterpiece in his life. He was waiting for the opportunity to
give it a practical shape. Yes, he could materialize his dream by painting the last leaf on
the ivy creeper.

Q2. Why did Sue rush down to meet Mr. Behrman?

Ans. Sue rushed down to meet Mr. Behrman, an old painter to pour out her worries regarding
Johnsy. She told him about Johnsy's strange fancy and about how she was convinced that she
would die when the last leaf of the Ivy creeper outside the window falls.

Q3. Why did Johnsy utter the words 'It is a sin to want to die'?

Ans. Jonhsy uttered the words 'it is a sin to want to die' because of the severe attack of pneumonia
that had left her morbid. When she saw the last leaf surviving windy wet night, her will to live
revived. it made her realise that it was a really a sin to wish to die

Q4. What is Behrman's masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?

Ans. The last leaf was called Behrman's masterpiece because Behrman had painted it on the wall
near the window where Johnsy lay ill. It had saved Johnsy's life as had got rid of her
negative feelings. Further, Behrman sacrificed his life in order to save her.

Q5. How did Behrman die?

Ans. Behrman was not only an artist but also true human being. He wanted to give relief to
Johnsy from her superstitious belief. He painted the last leaf in a chilly and rainy night. he
caught pneumonia and sacrificed his life to save Johnsy's life.

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words:-

Q1. Write a character sketch of Behrman?

Ans. In the story 'The last leaf' the author tells us that our positive thoughts work as a remedy
for our illness. On the contrary our negative thoughts make us depressed and make our
illness more serious. in this story Behrman an artist plays a very significant role in the life of
Johnsy.

Behrman was a sixty year old painter. He had a life long dream to paint a masterpiece . But
he could not succeed in this regard. He lived on the ground floor in the same building.
When Sue informed him about Johnsy's condition and misconception about the Last Leaf, he became
worried. He called Johnsy stupid. He visited Johnsy to see her condition. Johnsy was
sleeping. He noticed the only leaf on the creeper. he did not say anything and went to his room. He
was a kind person. He painted a leaf in the icy cold night. It was raining heavily. His clothes and
shoes got wet. He was shivering with cold that night. Eventually, he suffered from
pneumonia and sacrificed his life to save Johnsy's life.

Q2. 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. explain it in the reference of the lesson 'The Last
Leaf'?

Ans. Only in tough Circumtances of our life, we can realise who is our true friend.
 Sue and Johnsy both were struggling artists and lived together in a small apartment. When
Johnsy fell ill due to pneumonia , She soon lost the will to live. At this time, Sue loved her very
much and looked after her like her mother. The doctor kept visiting Johnsy and had
regular checkup but there was no improvement in her condition. Her condition went from bad
to worse. Sue helped Johnsy by looking after all her needs, she gave her soup and sit by her side
and talked to her. She even went downstairs to tell Behrman, another painter who was sixty years old.
to help her friend. Behrman came up to Johnsy'sroom, saw the Ivy creeper Outside Johnsy's
window and thought of how to save Johnsy's life.

Thus, Sue was indeed a true friend and did all she could to save Johnsy's life. Sue, thus,
displayed the qualities of her care, concern, good intention, tenderness, willingness and
responsibility. Thus Sue truly lived upto the popular saying. 'A friend in need is a friend
indeed'.

QUIZ
Q1. What was the disease that spread through the street?
a) Typhoid
b) Influenza
c) Cholera
d) Pneumonia
Q2. What did Johnsy wish Behrman to paint?

a) The Bay of Naples

b) The Last Leaf
c) A romantic sunset
d) The Mediterranean
Q3. Which tree leaves did Johnsy keep counting as they fell?
a) A maple tree
b) An ivy vine tree
c) A cedar tree
d) An oak tree
Q4. Who was Behrman?

a) 60 year old painter

b) 50 year old fashion designer
c) 60 year old doctor
d) 50 year old artist
Q5. “The Last Leaf” story is written by:

a) Stephen King
b) O.Henry
c) Mark Twain
d) Edgar Allan Poe
Q6. The setting of the story is November 1899 in ...
a) Washington
b) New York City
 c) Dallas
d) Texas

Q7. At the end of the story Mr. Behrman a painter who lives in the same building...
a) becomes weak
b) dies of pneumonia
c) is taken to hospital
d) comes to visit the artists
Q8. Sue and Johnsy …..
a) were fashion designers
b) were young artists
c) were teachers
d) were students

Q9. What did Sue wants Johnsy to promise?

a) that she would not look out of the door
b) that she would not play game
c) that she would not look out of the window
d) that she would not go out of the house
Q10. According to the doctors what was the cure to Johnsy’s illness?
a) medicines
b) strong medicines
c) love and care
d) her own willingness to live

ANSWERS:
Q1. (d) Pneumonia
Q2. (b) The Last Leaf
Q3. (b) The Ivy Vine Tree
Q4. (a) 60 year old painter
Q5 (b) O. Henry
Q6. (b) New York City
Q7. (b) Dies of Pneumonia
Q8. (b) were young artists
Q.9 (c) that she would not look out of the window
Q10.(d) her own willingness to live
 A House Is Not a Home
Value Points

● The narrator, Zan is a school boy who moves from Junior school to High school.

2. Initially, he finds some problems in making new friends and adjusting in the new school.

3.He feels awkward, isolated and embarrassed by the changes that mark his early teenage.

4.He misses his old school teachers and friends who encourage him to take part in the new school
activities and make new friends.

5. Unfortunately, once his house catches fire. He, together with his mother runs out to the neighbours
because they have to inform the fire department.

6. His mother rushes to the home to save the metal box, pictures, documents and letters by his father.

7.The firemen rescue his mother. The narrator hugs his mother because he has a great love for her.

8.The whole house is burnt. Nothing is left, he loses his pet cat also whom he loves very much.

9. As the narrator loses everything in the fire, they have to go to the grandparent’s house so that they
can spend the night.

10.Next day, the author goes to his school wearing weird clothes, borrowed shoes and with no
backpack.

11. Everyone feels concern for the narrator and wants to help him.

12. The narrator is surprised by his schoolmates. They give him schoolsupplies, notebooks, and all
kind of different clothes.

13. The narrator is touched by their selfless love and concern. He makes many friends.

14. A woman who got the pet cat of the narrator somehow manages to find him and gives his cat back
to him. It brings a new life for the author.

15. As Zan sits with his friends and his cat curled up in his lap, his feelings of loss and tragedy seem to
fade away.

16. Zan too returns to his normal cheerful life as his cat returns home.

17.The narrator overcomes the feeling of loss and pessimism and regains a new life.
18. He is able to get rid of his insecurity and open up to others.A new chapter opens in his life.

19. He is grateful to life, his new friends and the kind lady.He regains interest in life.

20. The story conveys the message that camaraderie and bonhomie are two strong factors that help
build genuine relationship.

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (20-30 words)

Q1.What were the author and his cat doing at the time when the house caught fire?

Ans.When the fire broke out the author was doing his homework at the dining room table with the fire
burning in the fireplace and his red tabby cat was lying over his papers purring loudly and sometimes
swatting at his pen.

Q2.Why did the author’s mother rush back to the house when it caught fire?

Ans.She was very much devoted to her husband who had died and did not want to lose his letters and
pictures in fire, so to collect all these things she rushed back to the house.

Q3.Why does the author say,’’I was suffering loss, big time’’?

Ans.The author feels so because he had lost his old dear school and teachers, he had lost his house to the
fire and he had lost his dear cat also whom he loved very much.

Q4.In what condition did the author go to school the next day after the fire incident?

Ans.The next day the author went to school wearing the dress that he had worn to church on Sunday
morning and the tennis shoes that he had borrowed from his aunt. His shoes, clothes, books and backpack
had destroyed in the fire.

Q5.What were the things that were gifted to the author by his new schoolmates? How did the author
react to these?

Ans. The author’s schoolmates gifted him with school supplies.These were notebooks and all kinds of
different clothes like jeans , tops and sweatsuits. The author was greatly moved at this kind of love and
affection of his schoolmates.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (40 to 50 words)

Q1.The cat and the author are very fond of each other .How has this been shown in the story? Where
was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?
A. The author loved his cat very much. He never considered her far from him .She kept sitting beside
him when he did his homework and other household work. When the author finds his cat back, his
happiness was beyond the limits. He grabbed her quickly and felt relieved .This proved that they were
very fond of each other. The cat ran over a mile away when the house was on fire. A stranger lady
brought it back as there was a phone number written on the collar of the cat.

Q2.What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort
him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?
A. His schoolmates brought up school supplies, notebooks, all kinds of different clothes for the author
in order to help him .It was a matter of surprise and too difficult to believe for him .He got emotional
satisfaction. People, who had never spoken, introduced themselves one by one. All things seemed new
and created his interest in life. Now, he had all the things whatever he used to have. He started
enjoying his life as usual.

Q3.What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why
does he say that he is also back?
A. Here the author wants to point out that life without affection is useless .He was depressed after loss
in all fields. His old school and teachers were always in his mind .The fire had reduced his house to
ashes .His cat was also not with him. In such circumstances he considered himself dead and had no
interest in life. In the end as soon as the conditions took the turn he felt relieved. Now he had all the
things with him. The author had not gone anywhere. It was his state of mind. He recovered from this
gloomy state and started enjoying life.

Q4.What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she
do?
A. The author, while doing his homework noticed the smoke pouring in through the seams of the
ceiling. The room was filled with the smoke very quickly. They all ran outside to save their life. His
mother ran out of the house with a small metal box full of important documents .She became so crazy
that she rushed back to the house just after dropping the box.

Q5.Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

A. The author’s house was completely burned down. Five hours later when the fire was finally out, he
realised at once that his cat was nowhere. He had to face the loss of old school, his house and cat. In
such a state, he cried and broke down in tears.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (100-120 Words)

Q1: The fire weaved a web of hardships and difficulties around the author and his family in the chapter
‘A House is not a Home’. Explain.

Ans. Hardships are a part of one’s life and no one remains unaffected by them. One can overcome
hardships only with perseverance and determination. The author and his family faced a lot of
hardships in the story ‘A House is not a Home’. The fire destroyed the author’s house completely
causing immense loss of wealth and belongings. The author lost his pet cat also. As the credit cards
and identity proofs were also destroyed in fire, his mother not only had to borrow money from his
grandparents but also had to take shelter in their house.

The author had to undergo mental trauma as he had to go to school without essential school material.
He even borrowed shoes from his aunt to attend the school. He felt like an oddball among his school-
mates.

But gradually, he with the support of his class mates regained interest in his life.He learned to come to
terms with all this with the realization that ‘staying firm and moving on’ is life.

Q2: Justify the title of the story ‘A House is not a Home’.

Ans. The title ‘A House is not a Home’ is apt in relation to the story. This title means that a house is
made up of walls and bricks but a home is made up of love, relationship and feelings.

The author and his mother were happy in their home before it was destroyed by fire. Due to the fire
incident, they had to take refuge in his grandparents’ house and later in a rented apartment. The places
where the author lived after the fire incident did not provide that comfort, happiness and security.
Moreover, these places were without the belongings and things he loved. He missed his home where
he enjoyed true happiness and comfort. His sentiments and emotions were attached with his home. He
missed his cat also which was his companion and he shared love and care with it.

The author never felt that belongingness to the new places; he had to stay there due to the
circumstances. His feelings, emotions and memories were a part of his home .He was excited to go
back to his home and so, he supervised the reconstruction work of his house every day. Fortunately he
got back his cat also. . In short, the title of the story is justified because his true happiness was linked
only with his home.

QUIZ
1. What did the author lose in the fire ?

a) school shoes

b) uniform
c) bag and books

d) all of the above

2. Who caught the author when he rushed after his mother in the burning house?

a) a policeman

b) a neighbour

c) a fireman

d) a friend

3. In the beginning how does the author feel in the new school?

a) excited

b) isolated

c) angry

d) happy

4) What did the teachers of the old school tell Zan?

a) they will support him

b) they will help him

c) gradually , he will adjust and accept his new school

d) none

5. What changed Zan’s perception of life and made him accept his new life?

a) the incident of fire

b) his new friends’ compassionate behaviour

c) his neighbour’s attitude

d) none

6. How long did it take to blow out the fire ?

a)two hours

b) three hours
c)four hours

d)five hours

7. From where did Zan and his mother borrow money?

a) from Zan’s aunt

b) from a friend

c) from Zan’s grandparents

d) from a neighbour

8. Who made a collection of money for the author?

a) the students in the new high school

b)the teachers in the old primary school

c) neighbours

d) social workers

9. Who had brought back Zan’s cat?

a) a policeman

b) a stranger lady

c) a friend

d) a neighbour

10. What is more precious according to this chapter ?

a) a house

b) a well furnished house

c) bond of love and care amongst the members of a family

d) none

ANSWERS

1. d
2. c

3. b

4. c

5. b

6. d

7. c

8. a

9. b

10. c

THE BEGGAR
Summary
The Beggar was written by Anton Chekhov which is the story of a poor alcoholic beggar named
Lushkoff who used to beg on roads as he was unable to find work. He resorted to begging in order to
survive himself. One day, he met Sergie, a wealthy advocate and asked him for some work. He was
wearing a ragged, tanned tattered overcoat and had dull drunken eyes with a red spot on either cheek.
He claimed that he was a school teacher in a village earlier and lost his job due to a conspiracy against
him. So, he started begging to feed himself and survive.
Sergei immediately recalled that he had seen the beggar on another street, the other day. At that time,
he had said that he was a student who had been expelled. The lawyer was filled with disgust and
threatened to hand over the beggar to the police for cheating people by telling lies. Hearing this,
Lushkoff broke down and admitted that he was lying to people so that they would take pity on him for
his condition. He confessed that he used to sing in a Russian choir and was fired for his drinking habit.
Hence, he requested Sergie to give him some work so that he could make a living for himself.
Sergei asked him if he could chop wood for him at his house. Lushkoff instantly agreed and Sergie
hastened and called out his cook, Olga to take the poor man into the wood-shed and let him chop
wood. Olga did so as she looked at Lushkoff with contempt. Although he had become very weak due
to his drunkenness, he tried chopping wood as instructed. When Sergie looked at him, he felt sorry and
ashamed of himself for making the sick man do menial labour in such a cold weather. An hour later,
Olga informed that the wood had all been chopped. Sergie ordered her to give Lushkoff half a rouble
for his work. Eventually, he would come once in a month to do the work and leave after receiving his
wage.
Soon, Sergie moved to a new house and employed Lushkoff who was now a sober and courteous
fellow, for packing and hauling the furniture. Although he used to shiver in the cold, he did his work
properly. Seeing his dedication, Sergie offered him a cleaner employment and asked if he could write.
Lushkoff replied in the affirmative and Sergie gave a letter to be sent to a friend where he would need
to do some copy work. Lushkoff did so, but he never returned to Sergie’s place.
Two years passed and one evening Sergei saw Lushkoff at the ticket counter of a theatre paying for his
seat. He was well-groomed and looked sophisticated. Sergie was astonished seeing his transformation
and asked about him. Lushkoff replied that he was working as a notary and was paid thirty-five roubles
every month. Sergei was happy that he could help Lushkoff become a responsible human being and
felt good for showing him the right path.
Lushkoff thanked Sergie for his kindness and helping him when he was a mere beggar. Besides, he
mentioned that he was more grateful to Olga for her compassionate nature. He revealed that she was
the one who used to chop the wood that was assigned to him. Being a kind-hearted lady, she would
give away the money to him for the wood-chopping task done by her.
Although she would often chide him, she would also weep at his poor condition. She had advised him
to give up his alcoholism and was responsible for helping him to mend his ways. Owing to her kind
words and noble deeds, Lushkoff had a change of heart. He stopped drinking completely and started
working hard to earn his livelihood. She set a right example before him and he said that he would
always remain indebted to her for her kindness and cooperation.

Very Short Answer Type questions (words limit 20-30)

Q1 Why does Sergei give the beggar work?

Ans- Sergei feels working is better than begging. The beggar says that no one would give him work.
So, Sergei offers to give him work.

Q2 How did Sergei and Olga change the life of beggar?

Ans – Sergei and Olga helped a beggar mend his ways and to do better in his life. They both gave him
opportunities and helped him along the way.
Q3 Why did the beggar finally tell Sergei the truth about himself?

Ans Sergei was very upset when he caught the beggar’s lie. He threatened to call the police over his
dishonesty. The beggar got scared and finally told Sergei the truth about himself.

Q4 Why was Sergei happy to see Lushkoff at the ticket window?

Ans Sergei was happy to see Lushkoff at the ticket window as he felt that he has set a drunkard on the
right path. From being a beggar, he now was a well – dressed man who paid for his own tickets in a
movie.

Q.5- How did Olga treat Lushkoff in the beginning? Why did she do this?

Ans- Olga treated Lushkoff very harshly in the beginning. She rebuked him and called him drunkard.
But finally she chopped the wood for him. She behaved like that only to set him on a right path.

Short Answer Type Questions ( words limit-40-50)

Q.1 Who was a better role model, Sergei or Olga? Why?

Ans – Sergei is probably a better role model as he helped other people by giving them opportunities.
Olga only cursed him and his work for him. There could be high chances that the beggar would have
felt easier to be paid for something he didn’t have to work for. But Sergei gave him fair chances. It is
Sergei who provide a plateform where Sergei could stand and do something to earn money and live a
happy and respectable life.

Q.2 What information does Lushkoff share with Sergei about the cook?
Answer:
Lushkoff speaks very highly of the cook, and gives all credit for his transformation to her. He informs
Sergei that it was the nobility of the cook that had truly changed him. She had done all the errands for
him so that he could earn the money offered by Sergei. She also used to cry for him, worried that he
would end up in total ruin.

Q.3 Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice? What reasons does he give Sergei
for lying?
Answer:
He has become a beggar both by circumstance and by choice. He had lost his position in the Russian
choir due to his drunkenness. As he did not have the motivation to work hard or the skills to find
another job, begging was the easiest option. According to him, he has to lie to survive, as no one was
willing to help him if he told them the truth.

Q.4 During their conversation, Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook is responsible for the positive
change in him. How did Olga save Lushkoff?
Answer:
Olga, Sergei’s cook, would react to Lushkoffs appearance at the house by shouting at him, but soon
she would grow sad looking at his face, and start weeping. She would remind him that since he was a
drunkard, he would bum in hell and this thought would make her cry again. Finally, seeing that he did
not have the energy and ability to do the task he was supposed to, she herself would chop all the wood
for him. Her concern and worry for him changed Lushkoff. He stopped drinking and worked hard to
improve his life
Q.5 Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer:
No, he is not a willing worker. He is too thin, weak and emaciated to work. He also remains drunk
most of the time and is hence too unsteady to focus on any work. However, he agrees to chop wood for
Sergei out of shame and pride, because he had been trapped by his own words. Sergei had caught him
lying, and this was the only way he could redeem some of his self-respect.

Long Answer Type Questions(word limit-100-120)

Q1 What qualities of Olga do you like most ? and why ? Give sufficient reasons in support of your
statement.

Ans Olga may be the most important character in the story because in many ways she is opposite to
Sergei. She physically attempts to help Lushkoff by chopping the wood and giving him advice on the
evils of alcohol. She takes more of an interest in Lushkoff’s life than serge. It is also noticeable that
Lushkoff is grateful to Olga something that the reader becomes aware of when he is talking to Sergei
at the theatre. Despite the passing of time, he has not forgotten all that Olga had done for him. All this
always comes as a surprise to Sergei. He thought he was the one who was responsible for helping
Lushkoff reclaim his life. However the reality is that Sergei’s words and deeds are no much for the
actions of Olga who is real impetus for change in Lushkoff’s life. It may also be a case that Chekhov
is suggesting that when it comes to change, it’s a woman’s hand that will guide an individual rather
than a man’s though it would Appear that Sergei was thinking of others, the reality is that he was
judgemental of Lushkoff considering him to be no more than a liar and an alcoholic. Both of which
was true but Lushkoff through Olga’s guidance showed that he has so much more to offer, that he is
just as good as others even though he might have had difficult circumstances to overcome.

Q2 What inspired Lushkoff to be a real man?

Ans Lushkoff was a beggar. He did not have strength and will to work. He used to tell false stories to
people to get their sympathy and money. Once he met with Sergei and tried his methods on him.
Sergei caught his lie. But he gave him the work of chopping wood. Sergei’s cook Olga helped the
beggar. Initially he scolded him. Soon she felt pity for him and helped him by doing hard work and
made him earn money. She changed him with her kind words and noble deeds. He gave up drinking.
He realized that he was not a beggar always. He decided to mend his ways. He became a notary. He
always felt indebted to Olga.

QUIZ
Q1 Who is the writer of this story ‘The Beggar’?

(a) Anton Chekhov

(B)Bills cosby

(C ) Anne besant

(D) none

ANS (A)
Q2 How was the beggar earning money?

(A) By telling false stories

(B) By telling lies

(C) By rousing sympathy in the listeners

(D) All

ANS (D)

Q3 Who did not give alms to beggar?

(A) Sergei

(B) People on the road

(C) Sergei’s maidservant

(D) None

ANS (A)

Q4 What is the theme of the lesson?

(A) Be kind

(B) Don’t be kind

(C ) Kindness can transform anyone from the better

(D) all

ANS ( C)

Q5 Who made the beggar lead a good life?

(a) Olga, the cook

(B) Sergei

(c ) A music teacher

(D) none

ANS (a)

Q6 Who was Sergei?

(a) An advocate

(B) A teacher

(C) a lecturer

(D) none

ANS (A)
Q7 What was the name of the beggar?

(A) mushkoff

(B) Chekhov

(C ) Lushkoff

(D) none

ANS (c)

Q8 What did Sergei give to the beggar?

(A) Food

(B) Milk

(C ) Work to chop wood

(D) None

ANS (c )

Q9 What was the name of the cook?

(a) Sergei

(B) Olga

(c ) Lushkoff

(D) none

ANS (b)

Q10 How much money did Sergei pay to the beggar to chop the wood?

(A) Half a rouble

(B) 40 Copecks

(C ) 35 copecks

(D ) 25 copecks

ANS (A)

Q11 How much money Lushkoff was earning as a notary?

(A) 25 roubles a month

(B) 35 roubles a month

(C ) 45 Roubles a month

(D) 20 roubles a month

ANS ( B)
Q12 Why was Lushkoff removed from the choir?

(A) Due to his weakness

(B) Due to his drunkness

(C ) weak body

(D) Poor health

ANS (B)

Q13 What forced Lushkoff to be a beggar ?

(A) Choir group

(B) His circumstances

(C ) His employer

(D) none

ANS (B)

Q 14 How did Olga help the beggar ?

(A) By giving him food

(B) Giving him medicine

(C) By chopping wood for him

(D) none

ANS (C)

Q15 Why was Lushkoff not willing to work?

(A) Because of poor health

(B) Because of his drunkness

(C ) Because he was hungry and weak

(D) all

ANS (D)

Q 16 Why did Lushkoff agree to work for Sergei?

(A) Sergei trapped him

(B) Because he was feeling ashamed

(C ) Because of his own pride

(D) All

Ans (D)
Q17 Which incident became a turning point in Lushkoff’s life?

(A) Sergei’s offer to work

(B) Olga’s help

(C ) Removal from choir group

(D) None

ANS (A)

Q 18 What was Lushkoff doing before begging?

(A) Dancing

(B) singing

(C ) Teaching

(D) none

ANS ( B)

Q!9 Why was Lushkoff telling lies to the people?

(a) To seek sympathy

(B) To get alms

(C ) to befool them

(d) none

ANS (B)

Q20 Where did Sergei met Lushkoff after two years?

(A) in his house

(B) in his maid’s house

(C) Outside a theatre

(D) None

Ans (c )
 KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA
SANGATHAN AGRA
REGION
STUDY/SUPPORT MATERIAL (2020-
21)
Sample paper 1 CLASS-IX
ENGLISH – Language and Literature

Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions:

This paper is divided into two parts: A and B. All questions are compulsory.
Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Part A (40 Marks)

READING (20 marks)

1. Read the passage given below.

The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects correctly or purposely
staying out of any dangerous situation—can either ensure our safety or bring about potentially harmful
circumstances.

You and I need to make a decision that we are going to get our lives in order. Exercising self- control, self-
discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our lives are some of the most important things we can
do. A life without discipline is one that’s filled with carelessness.

We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of “Yeah! That’s me! Living on
the edge! Woo-hoo!” It’s become a popular way to look at life. But if you see, even highways have lines,
which provide margins for our safety while we’re driving. If we go over one side, we’ll go into the ditch. If
we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. And we like those lines because they help to keep
us safe. Sometimes we don’t even realize how lines help to keep us safe.

I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of my life at work, I ignored my limits. I felt horrible,
physically, most of the time. I used to tell myself “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m
going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it.” I ran to doctors, trying to make myself feel
better through pills, vitamins, natural stuff and anything I could get my hands on. Some of the doctors would
tell me, “It’s just stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress meant you don’t like what you do or can’t
handle life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing myself, traveling, doing speaking engagements and so
on— simply exhausting myself.
Finally, I understood I was living an unsustainable life and needed to make some changes in my outlook and
lifestyle.

You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to be exactly
the way we are, and we don’t have to apologize for it. We’re not all alike and we need to find a comfort zone
in which we can enjoy our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY TEN

questions from the twelve that follow. (1x10=10)

i. The reason why living on the edge has become popular, is because of the
a) constant need for something different.
b) population being much younger.
c) exhausting effort to make changes.
d) strong tendency to stay within our limits.

ii. Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the
given quotes.
 a) Option (1)
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)

iii. Which of the characteristics are apt about the writer in the following context: “I
know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m going to ignore them and
see if or how long I can get by with it.” ?

1. negligent
2. indecisive
3. spontaneous
4. reckless
5. purposeless
6. patient

a) 2 and 5
b) 3 and 6
c) 1 and 4
d) 2 and 3

iv. Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the passage?
a) Much too soon

b) Enough is enough
c) How much is too much?
d) Have enough to do?

v. The phrase “potentially harmful circumstances” refers to circumstances that can

(a) certainly be dangerous.
(b) be fairly dangerous.
 (c) be possibly dangerous.
(d) seldom be dangerous.
vi. Select the option that makes the correct use of “unsustainable”,
as used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.

a) In the long run, the officials followed emergency procedures.

b) Emergency procedures were by the officials.
c) Officials reported an set of events during the emergency.
d) Officials admit that the emergency system is in the longer run.

vii. The author attempts to the readers through this write-up.

a) rebuke
b) question
c) offer aid to
d) offer advice to

viii. The author uses colloquial words such as “yeah” and “Woo-hoo!” Which of the
following is NOT a colloquial word?

a) hooked
b) guy
c) stuff
d) stress

ix. What does the author mean when he says, “to get our lives in order”?
a) To resume our lives.
b) To organize our lives.
c) To rebuild our lives.
d) To control our lives.

x. Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘outlook’, as used in
the passage.

1. A person’s evaluation of life

2. A person’s experiences in life
3. A person’s point of view towards life
 4. A person’s regrets in life
5. A person’s general attitude to life
a) (1) and (4)
b) (2) and (3)
c) (3) and (5)
d) (4) and (5)

xi. The author explains the importance of discipline and boundaries in our lives
using the example of

a) road accidents.
b) traffic rules.
c) lines on the highway.
d) safe driving.

xii. What is the message conveyed in the last paragraph of the passage?

a) Love what you do.

b) Love yourself to love others.
c) Be the best version of yourself.
d) Be yourself.
2. Read the passage given below.
The UN’s 2017 International Year tells that sustainable tourism is an important tool for development, most
importantly in poor communities and countries. Today sustainability – environmental, social, and economic
– is increasingly recognised as the benchmark for all tourism business. As noted by the UN World Tourism
Organisation, 57% of international tourist arrivals will be in emerging economies, by 2030. The various
‘Tourism Terms’ are defined as follows:

Based on data collected by a survey by Travel Bureau, the following market profile of an ecotourist was
constructed: -
Age: 35 - 54 years old, although age varied with activity and other factors such as cost. Gender: 50%
female and 50% male, although clear differences based on activity were found.

Education: 82% were college graduates, a shift in interest in ecotourism from those who have high levels
of education to those with less education was also found, indicating an expansion into mainstream markets.
Household composition: No major differences were found between general tourists and
experienced ecotourists**

Party composition: A majority (60%) of experienced ecotourism respondents stated they prefer to travel as
a couple, with only 15% stating they preferred to travel with their families, and 13% preferring to travel
alone. (** experienced ecotourists = Tourists that had been on at least one “ecotourism” oriented trip.)
Trip duration: The largest group of experienced ecotourists- (50%) preferred trips lasting 8-14 days.
Expenditure: Experienced ecotourists were willing to spend more than general tourists, the largest group
(26%) .
Important elements of trip: Experienced ecotourists top three responses were: (a) wilderness setting, (b)
wildlife viewing, (c) hiking/trekking.
Motivations for taking next trip: Experienced ecotourists top two responses were (a) enjoy
scenery/nature, (b) new experiences/places.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage attempt ANY TEN

questions from the twelve that follow. (1x10=10)

i. In the line “……recognised as the benchmark”, the word “benchmark” DOES NOT
refer to

a) a basis for something.

b) the criterion required.

c) the ability to launch something new.

d) a standard point of reference.

ii. The World Tourism Organisation of the UN, in an observation, shared that

a) emerging economies of the world will gain 57% of their annual profits from
International tourists.

b) countries with upcoming economies shall see maximum tourist footfall from all over
the world in the next decade.

c) a large number of international tourists in 2030 will be from developing countries.

d) barely any tourist in the next decade shall travel from an economically strong nation
 to a weak one.
iii. One of the elements that is important to ecotourists on trip
is

a) wild and untouched surroundings.

b) cultural exchange.

c) car and bus rides.

d) fully furnished flats.

iv. Choose the option that lists the correct answers for the
following:
1. Asha Mathew, an NRI, loves animals and wishes to travel to places that safeguard
their rights and inculcate awareness of their rights. What kind of tourist is she?

2. Gurdeep Singh from UK is an environmental scientist and has always chosen to travel
to places that are examples of a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. What
kind of tourist is he?

a) (1) is an ecotourist and (2) is a geotourist

b) (1) is an ethical tourist and (2) is a geotourist

c) (1) is a sustainable tourist and (2) is a pro-poor tourist

d) (1) is a geotourist and (2) is a responsible tourist

v. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the inherent
qualities of geotourism.

1. showcases adventure sports 2. promotes landscape appreciations 3. promises luxurious travel

4. includes being 5. believes in commercializing 6. initiates donations for

environmentally responsible forests the underprivileged

a) 1 &2

b) 5&6

c) 2&4

d) 3&5

vi. In the market profile of an ecotourist, the information on gender indicates that
a) female ecotourists were more than the male ecotourists.

b) the activity preferences were varied in females and males.

c) the choice of things to do on a trip were quite similar for both the genders.

d) male ecotourists were frequent travellers.

vii. The education aspect in the market profile of the ecotourist revealed that

a) mainstream market trends were popular with undergraduates.

b) ecotourists were only those who had basic education.

c) mainstream markets were popular tourist destinations for educated ecotourists.

d) ecotourism was no more limited to the small group of highly educated travellers.

viii. According to the survey conducted by the Travel Bureau, the total percentage of
experienced ecotourists who DID NOT prefer to travel alone was
a) 60%.

b) 75%.

c) 15%.

d) 13%.

ix. According to the survey, one of the most powerful driving forces leading
experienced ecotourism to invest in new trips was

a) setting up work stations in new places.

b) the chance to go camping in the wild.

c) competing with other ecotourists as frequent travellers.

d) the opportunity to travel to new places.

x. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.

a) Economically backward countries will benefit from sustainable tourism.

b) The tourism business currently recognizes sustainability as an important factor.
c) Emerging economies will receive negligible international tourists in the near future.
d) The sustainability factor in tourism is a significant means for development.

xi. The survey clearly showed that the age range of ecotourists:

a) remained the same for the choice of tourist- attractions to visit.

 b) changed with the monetary requirements for the trip.

c) fluctuated due to male-female ratio.

d) was constant across various features of the trip.

xii. Who isn’t an experienced ecotourist?

a) The person who has travelled as an ecotourist once earlier.

b) The person who is yet to travel even once as an ecotourist.

c) The person who is a regular ecotourism enthusiast and traveller.

d) The person who is not regularly travelling on ecotourism trips.

LITERATURE (10 marks)

3. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE, by answering
the questions that follow.
(5x1)
(A) A marriage as early as that was the last thing on her mind .She threatened her parents that she would
never marry if she did not get a proper education. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school
in Delhi. When her parents refused to pay for her education, she politely informed them of her plans
to earn money by working part time to pay her school fees .Her parents then agreed to pay for her
education.

1. Santosh yadav was when her parents pressurised her to get married .

A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 19 years old
2. Why was Santosh against getting married at an early age?

A. Parents refused to pay for her education.

B. If she did not get a proper education
C. Because she wanted to be a musician
D. None of the above
3. How did Santosh make her parents pay for her education?

A. By telling a lie
B. By telling them that she is not going to live with them
C. By telling them of her plans to earn money.
 D. All are correct.
4. Which word in the extract means the opposite of RUDELY?
A. agreed
B. marry
C. both A and B are correct
D. politely
5. Who is Santosh Yadav.
A. An athlete
B. Tennis player
C. A film star

D. A mountaineer

OR

(B)

As we watched the fallen animal we were surprised to see that the black fur on its back
moved and left the prostrate body. Then we saw it was a baby bear that had been riding on its mother’s
back when the sudden shot had killed her. The little creature ran around its prostrate parent making a
pitiful noise.

1. Identify the fallen animal referred in the above paragraph?

A. The mother bear
B. The baby bear
C. None of the above
D. The baby bird
2. Why were they surprised?
A. Black furred animal was crying
B. Black furred animals.al(baby bear ) moved and left the bady of the fallen animal
C. Black furred animal was dancing
D. All are correct.
3. What was the condition of the baby bear?

A. Was good
B. Was very good
C. Was serious
D. Was not good
4. Find out the word which means "fallen and lying on the ground”

A. stubb
orn B.
 untidy
C. Dirty
D.prostrat
e
5. Name of the baby bear
is..?
A. Teddy
B. Bruno
C. Babangida
D. All are
correct
Q4 Read the given extract from the poetry and attempt ANY ONE By answering the questions based on it.
A Along the sand
He lay until observed
And chased away, and now
He vanishes in the ripples
Among the green slim reeds.
Q1. Where did the snake lie?
A. Along the sand
B. Never a river
C. At a water trough
D. In the pond
Q2. Where did the snake vanish?
A. In the forest
B. In the ripples among the green slim reeds
C. In the park
D. In the drawing room
Q3. How did the snake feel when it is observed?
A. Sad
B. Happy
C. Unsafe
D. None of the
above
Q4. Name of the poet is..

A. Robert frost
B. Tomas Hardy
C. Edward learned
 D. W.W.E.Ross
Q5. Who does the word HE refers to here?

A. Poet
B. Narrator
C. Mongoose
D. Snake

OR
Extract
Where they harness the swift reindeer To
the sledges, when it snows
And the children look like bears Cubs In
their funny, furry clothes.

Q1. Which animal is used to pull the sledge?

A. Reindeer
B. Bear
C. Santa claus
D. Eskimos
Q2. How do the children of the northland look like in winters?

A. They look like bear

B. They look like Cubs of the bear
C. They look like snow ball
D. They look like Santa
Q3. Where are the sledges drawn upon?
A. In the mountain
B. In the rivers
C. Upon the snow
D. On the roads

Q4. Pick out the word from the poem which mean.....
“A kind of tool equipped with horse"

A. Reindeer
B. Sledge
C. Furry
 D. Harness
Q5. Name the poet of above stanza...
A. Tomas Hardy
B. William Shakespeare
C. John Mton
D. Phoebe Cary
5. Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete Venu’s
narration.
(3x1)

I saw Supanddi standing in the field. When I -(i)- doing there, he -(ii)- he was trying to win a Nobel
prize. I was confused and enquired how standing in the rice field would help him do so. He stumped me
by saying that he -(iii)- won Nobel prizes had all been outstanding in their fields!

Text to be used for Visually Impaired Candidates.

Venu: Suppandi, what are you doing standing all alone here? Suppandi: Uncle,
I’m trying to win a Nobel prize.
Venu: How will standing in my rice field help you win a Nobel?
Suppandi: because, that’s how it’s won. I’ve heard that the people who have won Nobel prizes were all
outstanding in various fields. Venu: Oh!

(i) a) exclaimed what he was

b) told him what he was
c) asked him what he was
d) says to him about what

(ii) a) ordered that

b) refused that
c) questioned that
d) replied that

(iii) a) has heard that people who has

b) was hearing that people who were
c)had heard that people who had
d) did hear that people who had
6. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options for ANY
FOUR of the six sentences given below. (4x1)
(i) You consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.

a) had to
b) need to
c) used to
d) might

(ii) Everybody keen to participate in the upcoming nukkad natak. a)

are

b) has
c) is
d) were

(iii) The good news is that volunteers dropped out this month than the last two. a)

fewer

b) less
c) few
d) a little

(iv) It was …………… historic day for the organisation when honour was bestowed
upon its employees.

a) a; an
b) an; the
c) the; a
d) an; a

(v) At this time tomorrow we our project details to ma’am.

a)are presenting
b) shall be presenting
c) have been presenting
d) will have presenting

(vi) The Komodo dragon …………… follow its prey till it will eventually dies due to
its
venomous bite.

a) must
b) will
c) could
d) may
 Section B

WRITING (2x5= 10 marks)

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5 marks)

(A) Complete the story I about 150 to 200 words .

Pankaj was walking fast as it was getting dark. Suddenly he realised...........

OR

(B) You are Vaijanthi/Vijay from Prakasham Nagar, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Write a
letter to Book Haven Store, requesting home delivery of the books, stationery and art materials
you had ordered telephonically. Share the reason for being unable to pick up the goods in
person. Confirm your address details and a convenient time slot.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5 marks)

(A) The chart below displays data about the number of digital devices purchased in Rishunagar
across the years 2015-2019. Write a paragraph analyzing the given data.
For Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of Q9 A
The table below displays the responses of 85 college athlete-respondents, aged 16-24, about sources of
nutrition information. Write a paragraph analyzing the given data.

OR
(B) Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a
local daily:

The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles like bags and packaging is

ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles do this well, so they shouldn’t be banned.

Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument.

You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include
rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.

LITERATURE (30 marks)

7. Answer ANY TWO questions in 20-30 words each, from (A) and (B) respectively.
(2x4=8)

(A) (any two) (2x2=4)

i. What was the reaction of the author’s wife to see the baby bear?
ii. How was Maria harassed by other tennis trainees?
iii. Can a simple job of knife kill a tree?
iv. Why did both Harris and George do with the butter?

(B) (2x2=4)
Any Two
 1.Why does the author break down in tears after the fire? 2.Why
did the begger agree to work with Sergei?

3. What is the message of the story The Happy Prince?

11. Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each, from (A) and (B)
respectively.
(3x4=12)

(A) (any two) (3x2=6)

i. Draw the character sketch of the Maria Sharapova
ii. How did Montmorency contribute to the packing

g Explain how strength can be won by love?

(B) (any two) (3x2=6)

i. What superstition did Johnsy have and why?

ii. How did Prashant reach his village after the super cyclones over? Describe.
iii. What was Toto's first mischief in the writer’s house?
12. Answer ANY ONE the following in 100-120 words. (5x1)
(A) Describe the importance of Shahnai in Indian Society? How did Bismillah
Khan contribute to its development?

OR
(B)Kezia decides that there are ‘different kinds of father “ .What kind of father was Mr
MacDonald , and how was he different from Kezia's father?

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5x1)

(A) Describe the character sketch of Bill Olga ,the cook ,in brief.

OR
(B) Toto was not the sort of person we could keep for long. Explain and give reasons
in order to support your answer.

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER

ENGLISH – Language and Literature CLASS-IX

Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Mark : 80

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into two parts: A and B. All questions are compulsory.

2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them.

3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Part A (40 Marks)

READING (20 marks)

1. Read the passage given below.

The Finance Ministry has ordered an overhauling of the electronic payment system for the
Centre’s flagship social welfare schemes to check fraud and cut down transaction costs.

The Ministry has asked state-run banks to ensure that electronic payments to beneficiaries of such
schemes are made only through the banks in which they hold an account. The ministry feels that he
move would bring down the cost of fund transfer to almost half, besides guaranteeing an
audit trail of the payment.
As of now, if a beneficiary of a scheme such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act holds an account in the State Bank of India, but the payment delivery system in his
area is being handled by Punjab National Bank, the payment is credited to the beneficiary’s account
through PNB. This makes the government pay NEFT charges twice—first to PNB and then to SBI—
on a single transaction.

The National Electronic Funds Transfer is a nation wide payment system that facilitates one-to-one
transfer of funds. Under the scheme, a remitter has to pay Rs. 5 plus service tax on every transaction
up to Rs. 1 lac.
“There are two primary issues with this”, a Finance Ministry official said. “First, the administrative
ministry of the scheme has to pay NEFT charges twice. Second, if the transaction fails, its record will
be lost among several such transactions.”

The official said the proposed mechanism would not only reduce the pressure on the NEFT system, it
would also guarantee a proper record of the payment as all subsequent transactions would be
through the parent bank.
The Finance Ministry has already launched a pilot project in Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh to
test the viability of the mechanism.
State-run banks say the proposed plan will not increase their work load as they have to any how make
payments individually. “It’s just a matter of clubbing all singular accounts, which should not be an
issue”, a senior official at a bank said.

Only about 5% of India’s 6 lacs villages have bank branches. Under the financial inclusion plan, the
government aims to provide banking services to 73,000 villages with a population of 2,000.
A panel headed by Unique Identification Authority of India chairman Nandan Nilekani had proposed
that all government payments over Rs. 1,000 should be made electronically. The panel said a last-
mile transaction fee of 3.14% with a cap of Rs. 20 per transaction should be paid by the government
for such payments. It also recommended that a network of 1 million inter-operable micro ATMs,
operated by business correspondents, be set up across the country.

1.What would be the impact if the proposed NEFT mechanism is adopted?

1. The pressure on the NEFT system will decrease.
2. It would guarantee a proper record of the payment.
3. The pressure on the NEFT system will increase significantly.
A
a) Only 1
b) only 2
c) Only 3
d) Both 1 and 2
2.Regarding electronic fund transfer, which of the following statements is correct?
1. The cost of fund transfer will come down to almost half.
2. The auditing of the payment can be ensured.
3. It would generate a proper record of the payment.

a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Only 3
d) Only 1 and 2
e) All 1, 2 and 3.

3. What has the Finance Ministry asked the state-run banks to ensure regarding the payments
to the beneficiaries of the govt-sponsored schemes?
1. Payments be made through any of the scheduled commercial banks.
2. Payments be made only through ATMs.
3 Payments be made only through the banks in which the beneficiary an account.

a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Only 3
d) Both 1 and 2
e) Either 1 or 3.
4. Which of the following statements with regard to the present situation is/are definitely true in
the context of the passage?
1. If the transaction fails, its record can be easily retrieved.
2. If the transaction fails, its record will be lost among several such transactions.
3. The administrative ministry of the scheme need not pay any national electronic fund transfer
charge.
a) Only 1
b) Only 3
c) Both 1 and 3
d) Both 2 and 3
e) Only 2.
5. Which of the following Centre’s flagship social welfare schemes has been specifically
mentioned in the passage?
a) Sarvashiksha Abhiyan
b) MGNREGA
c) IRDP
d) ICDS
e) PDS
6. If a beneficiary of the scheme is paid through the bank other than account holder’s, the govt
has to pay the national electronic funds transfer charges.

a) Once
b) Twice
c) Thrice
d) Not required to pay any charge
e) None of these.
7. Which of the following can be a suitable title of the given passage?
a) Importance of ATMs
b) Change in Fund Transfer Process to Check Fraud
c) MGNREGA : A complete Failure
d) Role of Scheduled Commercial Banks
e) Govt.’s Financial Inclusion Plan.
8. Which of the following is most nearly the SAME in meaning of the word printed in bold as
used in the passage?

TRAIL

a) track
b) tail
c) recoding
d) clue
e) footprints.
9. Which of the following is most nearly the SAME in meaning of the word printed in bold as
used in the passage?

VIABILITY
a) fertility
b) capability
c) potentiality
d) practicality
e) possibility.
10. Which of the following is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as used
in the passage?

INCLUSION
a) retarding
b) exclusion
c) expatriating
d) repulsion
e) join.
Question 1. Read the passage given below. (10)
1. Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder) is
thought to be an effect of severe trauma during early childhood, usually extreme and repetitive
physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Most of us have experienced mild dissociation, which is like
daydreaming or getting lost in the moment while working on a project. However, dissociative
identity disorder is a severe form of dissociation, a mental process which produces a lack of
connection in a person’s thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity. Dissociative
Identity Disorder is thought to stem from trauma experienced by the person with the disorder. The
dissociative aspect is thought to be a coping
mechanism — the person literally dissociates himself from a situation or experience that’s too
violent, traumatic or painful to assimilate within his conscious self.

2. Dissociative Identity Disorder is characterised by the presence of two or more distinct or split
identities or personality states that continually have power over the person’s behaviour. With
Dissociative Identity Disorder, there’s also an inability to recall key personal information that is too
far-reaching to be explained as mere forgetfulness. With Dissociative Identity Disorder, there are also
‘highly distinct memory variations, which fluctuate with the person’s split personality. based
approaches the mainstay of therapy. (313 words)

1.1 Answer the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read. (1×10 = 10)
(i) What is multiple personality disorder known as now:
a) Dissociative Identity Disorder
b) hypertension
c) Hypothermia
d) none of these
(ii) What is dissociation? (1)
a) day dreaming
b) nightmare
c) both (a) & (b)
d) none of these
(iii) What gives rise to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
a) trauma experienced by the person with the disorder
b) tension experienced by the person with fever
c)fever
d) headache
(iv) How is dissociative disorder characterised?
a) the presence of two or more distinct or split identities
b) personality states influencing the person’s behaviour
c) both (a) & (b)
d) none of these
(v) Earlier it was known with which name?
a) trauma disease
b) mental disability
c) Multiple personality disorder
(vi) Which organ face the variation due to DID
a) Hand
b) Heart
 c) Mind
(vii) Causes behind the “DID”
a) severe trauma during early childhood
b) repetitive physical, sexual or emotional abuse
c) all of the above

(viii) Symptoms of DID affected persons are

a) mood swing
b) self harm
c) both a&b

(ix) Is there any established medication treatment for DID?

a) True
b) False
c) None of these
(x) Dissociative means?
a) separation
b) combination
c) none of these

literature (10)
3. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE, by answering the questions that follow.
(5x1)

(A) On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of
different social groups. However, my science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer, though an orthodox
Brahmin with a very conservative wife, was something of a rebel. He did his best to break social
barriers so that people from varying backgrounds could mingle easily. He used to spend hours with
me and would say, “Kalam, I want you to develop so that you are on a par with the highly educated
people of the big cities.”

1.The small society of Rameswaram was inflexible as far as

a) the segregation of social groups

b) the integration of social groups

c) both a &b

2.Kalam was taught science by

a)his father

b) Arvindan shastri

c) Sivasubramania Iyer
3. His science teacher wanted his best to break social barriers so that people could socialize easily.
a) True

b) False

c) none of these

4) Pick a pair of synonym from the above lines.

a)orthodox and conservative.

b) education and develop

c) both a & b

5. His teacher did his best to break

a) financial barriers

b) social barriers

c) none of these

OR

(B)He also felt a special interest in a fellow student, Mileva Marie, whom he found to be a “clever
creature”. This young Serb had come to Switzerland because the University in Zurich was one of the
few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein saw in her an ally against the “philistines”-
those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds.

1. Who is “clever creature” and “young serb” in the passage ?

a) Einstein
b) Mileva marie
c) Both a & b
2. Why did the young Serb come to Switzerland ?
a) To marry
b) To get degree
c) To cheat Einstein
3. What was the attitude of Einstein towards the young Serb ?
a) Attracted
b) Hated
c) None of these
4. Write synonym of “constantly” ?
a) Clever creature
b) Continuously
c) never
5. Zurich is a place located in which continent?
a) Asia
b) Africa
c) Europe
4. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE, by answering the questions that follow.
(5x1)
(A)
Now in memory comes my mother
As she used in years a gone,
To regard the darling dreamers Ere she left them till the dawn:
Oh! I feel her fond look on me As I list to this refrain Which is played upon the shingles By the patter
of the rain.

1. Which sound is the poet listening to?

a) Cloud
b) Rain drop
c) water

2. The sound reminds the poet of

a) Father
b) Grandfather
c) mother
3. Which word in the extract means “the ability to remember things”?
a) Speak
b) Walk
c) Memory

4 Find the word in the extract that refers to “repeated sound of the rain
a) Patter of rain
b) Refrain
c) None of these
5.In the line “by the patter of the rain” which poetic device is used
a) metaphor
b) onomatopoeia
c) simile
OR
(B)
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

1) ‘Sigh’ means:
(i) regret
(ii) to hate
(iii) not to feel sorry
(iv) to be indifferent

(b) What has made all the difference in the poet’s life?
(i) Choosing a travelled road
(ii) Choosing a less travelled road
(iii) By not choosing any road
(iv) By not being weak

(c) ‘Road’ is a metaphor for :

(i) travelling wisely
(ii) good health
(iii) choices we make in life
(iv) morning walks

d) Less travelled by…..

(i)The poet
( ii) other passerby
(iii)none of them
(iv) can't say
(e) The poet wrote the poem
(i)before we choice
(Ii)many years after each choice
(iii)soon after he choice

GRAMMAR (10 marks)

5. Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the note about the rainy season. (3x1)

It was a rainy day. Traffic (a)………… busy on the road. A (b)…………. hit a car badly in the
market. Five commuters were badly injured while one person (c)……………………..on the spot.
The injured persons were taken to the nearest hospital. The local people were of great help.
(a) (i) will be (ii) was (iii) is (iv) has been
(b) (i) speeding bus (ii) speeded bus (iii) sped up bus (iv) speed bus
(c) (i) was died (ii) had died (iii) died (iv) is died

6.Read the conversation between two friends and complete the dialogue by choosing from the
options given. (1 x 3 = 3 marks)
Tina: Did you visit the book fair on Carmel Street?
Rose: No. (a) ……………………….
Tina: Yes. I had gone there yesterday.
Rose: (b) ……………………….
Tina: There are books for all age groups.
Rose: Any idea (c) ……………………….
Tina: I’m not sure. But I guess it will go on for a month.
Rose: Then I must go and buy a few books.

(a) (i) Did you go to the fair?

(ii) Were you going to the fair?
(iii) Will you go to the fair?
(iv) Are you going to the fair?

(b) (i) Are you finding any books for teenagers?

(ii) Were you finding some books for teenagers?
(iii) Did you find any books for teenagers?
(iv) Do you find any books for teenagers?

(c) (i) how long would the fair be going on?

(ii) how long the fair will go on for?
(iii) how long is the fair going on?
(iv) how long will the fair go on?

7. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options for ANY FOUR of the six sentences given
below. (4x1)
Q1. The teacher ____________ completed this chapter.
A. have
B. has
C. is
D. are
Q2. Ram and Shyam __________ business partners.
A. have
B. has
C. are
D. had
Q3. A bouquet of flowers ___________ required for the event.
A. are
B. have
C. has
D. is

Q4. A pair of socks ___________ been missing from my wardrobe.

A. have
B. has
C. were
D. is

Q5. Much ____________ been said in the news report

A. Were
B. have
C. has
D. was

Q6. The information provided to you ___________ wrong.

A. were
B. was
C. are
D. have been

Section (B)
WRITING (2x5= 10 marks)
8. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5 marks)
You are Ankita/Ankit. You attended an exhibition on ‘Fashion Designing and Technology’ at the
Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi. You were impressed by the exhibition. Using the clues given below, write
a diary entry in 100 recording your feelings and experiences. (8)
• Visit to the exhibition an eye
• Commendable exhibits
• Use of sophisticated machines
• Happy over India’s progress
• A fascinating experience
OR
You recently visited the 24th Crafts Mela at Suraj Kund, Faridabad. It was Mini India assembled at
one place. Using the hints, make a diary entry of what you saw and experienced there.
Hints: • More than 20 states of India represented
• Rajasthan—the theme state
• Participation of foreign countries
• cultural programmes, dances at ‘Chaupal’ and ‘Rangmanch
’ • Food courts catering all kinds of foods
• arts and handicraftsfrom the awarded artisans.

9. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5 marks)

(A)
Write a descriptive paragraph in 100-120 words based on the visual given below

OR
You are a teacher at a reputed school in the city. The following bar graph shows a comparartive
analysis of students’ performance in different subject in the terminal exam. Write an analytical
paragraph on the variation in the performances of students in about 100-120 words to be presented at
the annual teachers meet.

LITERATURE (30 marks)

10. Answer ANY TWO questions in 20-30 words each, from (A) and (B) respectively. (2x4=8)

(A) (any two) (2x2=4)

(i) Why is Banaras so important to Bismillah Khan?

(ii) why was Johnsy’s condition worrisome according to the doctor
(iii) Whom did Sergei threaten to call the police? Why?

(B) Any two (2x2=4)

(i) How did Bruno get paralysis? How was he treated?
(ii) Which musical instrument did Einstein begin to learn? Why?
(iii) What is ‘bliss’ for the poet ‘Coates Kinney’ in the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’?

11. Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each, from (A) and (B) respectively.
(3x4=12)

(A) (any two) (3x2=6)

(i) What was so strange about the kingdom of fools?
(ii) What ‘horrible idea ‘occurred to Jerome little later?
(iii) What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have? How were they different from teachers in
the book?

(B) (any two) (3x2=6)

(i) Why does Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the Ticket-Collector insist on
calling it a dog?
(ii) How did the man try to quieten the crying lost child? Was he successful?
(iii) Why did Prashant decide to step in and lead the villagers?
12. Answer ANY ONE the following in 100-120 words. (5x1)

The best way to deal with a crisis is not to lose your calm. Discuss with reference
to the play ‘If I Were You’. What trait of Gerrard helped him to come out of that
difficult situation?
Or
Explain the message that the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ Convey. What does it mean
to us?

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5x1)

Children get generally separated from their parents\in public places. What values should parents and
‘children draw after reading the chapter? How can parents ensure that their children are not lost?
What should the children do under such circumstances?
Or
Keeping in mind the lesson ‘The Beggar’ justify the statement “You can lead a horse to water, but
you can’t make it drink.”

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

SYLLABUS CLASS – IX (2020-21)
Sections
A Reading Skills(40periods)
B Writing Skills with Grammar (40 periods)
Literature Textbooks and Supplementary
C Reading Text(50 periods)

PART A

Reading:-

Unseen Passage 20 Marks

Multiple Choice Questions based on a Discursive passage of 400-450 words to

test inference, evaluation and vocabulary. Ten out of twelve questions to be
answered. (10x1=10)

II. Multiple Choice Questions based on a Case-based factual passage (with visual input-
statistical data, chart etc.) of 200-250 words to test analysis and interpretation. Ten out of
twelve questions to be answered. (10x1=10)
(Total length of two passages to be 600-700 words)
Literature Textbooks 10 Marks

III. Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract from drama/prose to test inference,
evaluation and vocabulary. Any 1 out of 2 extracts to be done. (5x1=5)

IV. Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract from poetry to test analysis and
interpretation. Any 1 out of 2 extracts to be done (5x1=5)

Grammar 10 Marks

V. Ten Multiple Choice Questions, out of twelve, to be answered. Questions shall be based on
the following

iTenses
. Modals

ii. Subject – verb concord

iii. Reported speech
iv.
Commands and
requests
Statements
v. Que
stions

Deleted:

● Use of Passive Voice

● Clauses: Noun, Adverb Clauses of condition and time, Relative
● Prepositions

PART B

Writing 10 marks

I. Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (word limit 100-120 words) on a person or a diary entry based
on visual or verbal cue/s. One out of two questions is to be answered. 5 marks

II. Writing a story (word limit 100-120 words) on the basis of given cue/s . One out of two
questions is to be answered. 5 marks
Deleted:
● Letter on a situation
● Descriptive Paragraph on a place/event
Literature 30 Marks

III. Four out of six Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 20-30 words each from
BEEHIVE and MOMENTS (two out of three from BEEHIVE and two out of three from
MOMENTS). 2x4=8 marks

IV. Four out of six Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words each from
BEEHIVE and MOMENTS (two out of three from BEEHIVE and two out of three from
MOMENTS). 3x4=12
marks

V. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from BEEHIVE to be answered in about 100-
120 words each to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text
and across the texts. This can be a passage-based question taken from a
situation/plot from the texts. 5 marks
VI. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from MOMENTS on theme or plot involving
interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text and inference or character sketch to be answered in
about 100-120 words. 5 marks

Prescribed Books: Published by NCERT, New Delhi

● BEEHIVE – Textbook for class IX

Deleted-

1. The Lake Isle of Innisfree

2. The Snake & The Mirror 3.
The Duck & The Kangaroo 4.
Kathmandu

5. A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal

● MOMENTS – Supplementary Reader for Class IX

Deleted-

1. Ishwaran the Storyteller

2. The Accidental Tourist

● Words and Expressions-I, Workbook

 NOTE: Teachers are advised to:

(i) encourage classroom interaction among peers, students and teachers through activities such
as role play, group work etc.

(ii) reduce teacher-talk time and keep it to the minimum,

(iii) take up questions for discussion to encourage pupils to participate and to marshal their
ideas and express and defend their views.

Besides measuring learning outcome, texts serve the dual purpose of

diagnosing mistakes and areas of non-learning. To make evaluation a true index
of learners’ knowledge, each language skill is to be assessed through a
judicious mixture of different types of questions.

1. Reading Section: Reading for comprehension, critical evaluation, inference and

analysis are to be tested.
2. Writing Section: All types of short and extended writing tasks will be dealt with.
3. Grammar: Grammar items mentioned in the syllabus will be taught and assessed.
 ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

(Code No. 184) CLASS – IX (2020 – 21) Marks-80

Sections Competencies Tot %

al Weightage
mar
ks
Reading Comprehension Conceptual understanding,
decoding, analyzing, inferring, 2 25%
interpreting and vocabulary 0
Writing Skill and Grammar Creative expression of an opinion,
reasoning, justifying, illustrating,
appropriacy of style and tone, using
2 25%
appropriate format and fluency.
0
Applying conventions, using
integrated structures
with accuracy and fluency
Literature Textbook Recalling, reasoning, appreciating,
and Supplementary applying literary conventions 50%
Reading Text illustrating and justifying etc. Extract
relevant information, identifying the 4
central theme and sub-theme, 0
understanding the writers’ message
and writing fluently.

To 8
tal 0