CH-01

A LETTER TO GOD
INTRODUCTION
The story, "A Letter to God" by G.L Fuentes revolves around
the idea of having unquestionable belief
in something. The story is set in a Latin American country.
Lencho, the farmer, who is the protagonist of the story, writes a
letter to God seeking help from the Almighty after discovering
his entire crop yield destroyed by a devastating hailstorm.
Although, his wishes get fulfilled partially, if not completely,
he is ungrateful in the end and questions the honesty and
modesty of the post- masters who actually helped him with
money (anonymously) in the name of God.
THEME
There are two themes in the story “A Letter to God” – Blind-
faith and Two Sides of the Same Story. The story reflects the
blind-faith of the peasant. The crops are destroyed by the storm
but the peasant takes it as a divine action.
KEY POINTS
• Lencho’s crops had failed that year and he had only a single
hope i.e., God!
• He wrote a letter to God “God, my crops have failed and my
family is going to starve. I need some
money- hundred pesos.”
• At the post office, the postmen saw such a queer letter and
brought it to the postmaster.
• The postmaster was a man of sympathy and understand a
man like Lencho.
• Postmaster observed that faith of Lencho was strong as a
child’s so he decided to send an amount
of hundred pesos to the poor farmer.
• Hundred pesos was a huge amount; the postmaster was able
to collect only seventy pesos.
However, he sent the money to Lencho.
• Lencho received the money with a belief that God had
helped him.
• Lencho was sad and angry after counting the money as he
received only seventy instead of
hundred.
• Lencho wrote another letter to God and dropped the letter in
the same post-box and went.
• The postmaster felt the biggest shock and shame in his life
after opening Lencho’s second letter to
God.
• Lencho had written, “God, of the money that I had asked for,
only seventy pesos reached me.
Send me the rest, since I need it very much. But don’t send it
to me through the post because the
post office employees are a bunch of thieves. Lencho.

QUESTION BANK
a) A Letter to God was written by
(i) Ruskin Bond. (ii) Lokesh Abrol.
(iii) G.L. Fuentes.

(b) The house stood on

(i) the crest of a low hill. (ii) the crest of a mountain.
(iii) a deep valley.
(c) The crop that grew was
(i) wheat. (ii) corn. (iii) barley.
(d) Lencho’s profession was
(i) share cropping. (ii) farming. (iii)
brickmaking.
(e) Lencho went out into the rain to
(i) enjoy himself. (ii) have the pleasure of feeling the rain
on his body.
(iii) collect rain water.
(f) Lencho wrote a letter to
(i) God. (ii) the village master. (iii)
the post master.
(g) Lencho’s manner of posting the letter showed that
(i) he was truly a kind hearted and simple man. (ii) he
was greedy. (iii) he needed education.

Q. What could man see in the north east?

a) his fields b) raindrops c) huge
mountains of clouds d) ten cent pieces

Q. He looked at the field of ripe corn with ________

a) concern b) satisfaction c) worry d)
seriousness
Q. Along with rain big hailstones also _______
a) came b) appeared c) began to fall d)
also attacked
Q. Lencho's soul was filled with _____
a) anxiety b) joy c) sadness d)
restlessness
Q. A plague of locusts does a great _______ to crops
a) service b) help c) difficulty d)
damage
Q. Lencho needed hundred pesos for ______
a) buy food grains b) sow his field c) buy a cart
d) buy clothes for winter
Q. The hailstorm had _____
a) destroyed the crops b) made the field white c)
damaged lencho's family d) stuck after the rain
Q. Lencho wrote a letter to god in whom he had ____
a) immense hatred b) immense love c)
immense faith d) immense distrust

CH-02 NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom

Introduction
This chapter is an extract from the autobiography of Nelson
Mandela (born- 18 July, 1918), the first Black President of
South Africa. Excerpts from “Long Walk to Freedom” include
a description of the inauguration ceremony, citations from his
speech, his journey to being a freedom fighter, the struggle,
along with a tribute to other freedom fighters and countless
other people who fought for their freedom. In South Africa, a
brutal practice named “apartheid” was followed. Apartheid
refers to discrimination between people on the basis of their
race. It was one of the most brutal societies where dark-
skinned people were deprived of their basic rights. This lesson
gives us an overview as to how Nelson Mandela along with
others, carved their way to a society where there will be no
discrimination on the basis of their colour, caste, race, age or
gender.

THEME AND MESSAGE

Freedom from racism is the central theme of the lesson
Nelson Mandela: A long walk to Freedom. It is an excerpt
from the autobiography of Nelson Maldela who was the first
black president of South Africa. At those times, white skinned
people were the rulers of the society and life was hell for the
blacks.
Chapter Highlights

1. 10th of May was, a day of freedom for South Africa

and there was huge gathering of international leaders
and dignitaries.
2. Inauguration ceremony or swearing in ceremony was
being held in Union Building in Pretoria and first
non-racial government took the charge.
 3. Nelson Mandela gave speech on the victory for
justice, peace and human dignity.
4. Mandela pledged to liberate his people from poverty,
suffering and discrimination.
5. A colourful show by jets and helicopters to show
military’s loyalty took place.
6. Singing of two national anthems was done-the old
‘Nkosi Sikelel’ by the whites and the new ‘Die stem’
by the blacks.
7. A new system that recognised the rights and freedom
of all people was formed.
8. Mandela remembered and thanked the people who
sacrificed their lives for the freedom.
9. Salutation to some great freedom fighters – Oliver
Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo
and others.
10. Mandela said in speech that a country is rich
because of its people not because of the minerals.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the victory
over it. People should love others and not hate them
due to colour or religion. Love comes naturally not
by force, which is the natural goodness.
11. He also stated that a man should try to make a
balance between his duties – duty to his family and
duty to his community and country. A black person
was treated badly and not allowed to perform his
duties.
12. According to Mandela, freedom has many aspects
like – for a kid it is to run and play, for an adult it is
to fulfil the needs, of his own and his family. Real
freedom means equal rights for everyone.
13. Nelson Mandela joined the African National
Congress (ANC). He desired people to live with
dignity and respect. He wanted the oppressor and the
oppressed to be liberated.
14. Patience and perseverance guided by discipline and
system yield the desire result.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Multiple Choice questions
1. Who came to witness the ceremony?
a) Dignitaries of America b) Dignitaries from
different nations
c) People wearing different colours d) Politicians
2. What is South Africa rich in?
a) Minerals and gems b) Wheat c) Rice
d) Water
3. Where was the ceremony held?
a) Union building in America b) Union building in France c)
Union building in pretoria d) Union building in India
4. What type of Govt. was chosen in South Africa?
a) Racial Govt. b) Democratic Govt. c) Non-racial democratic
Govt. d) Racial democratic Govt.
5. Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his
..........................................
a) Daughter b) Son c) wife d)
Brother
6. South Africa became independent in the year
......................................
a) 1964 b) 1974 c) 1984 d) 1994
7. How many national anthems does South Africa have?
a) 1 b) 2` c) 3 d) 4
8. What did Nelson Mandela refer to as extraordinary human
disaster’?
a) Casteism b) Gender Discrimination c)
Terrorism d) Apartheid
9. Who sworn in as First deputy president?
a) Nelson Mandela b) Zenani c) Mr. de Clerk
d) Thabo Mbeki
10.Who among the following is not a freedom fighter in South
Africa?
a) Oliver Tambo b) Walter Sisulu c) Chief
Luthuli d) Kwame Nkrumah
CH-03
TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING-FIRST FLIGHT
KEYPOINTS FOR REVISION
• The story of His First Flight is based on a young seagull
who is afraid to fly because of distrust on its wings.
• All his younger siblings can fly fearlessly despite their
shorter wings.
• On the other hand, the young bird cannot gather the
courage to trust his wings. He always becomes afraid
when coming forward to the brink of the ledge and
attempting to fly.
• His mother and father come around calling him and
threatening him starve on the ledge unless he flies.
• Despite all the upbraiding and calling to him shrilly, he
could not move.
• All-day long he watches his parents fly with his siblings
and teaching them how to skim the waves.
• One day the whole family flies to a big plateau and on the
opposite cliff, the seagull is sitting hungry. He begs his
mother to bring him some food.
• His mother picks a piece of fish and flies across to him.
Maddened by hunger, he jumped at the fish with a loud
shout.
• He falls outward and downward into space and he can
feel his wings cutting through the air. The next moment
he is flying fearlessly and his siblings soaring and diving
with him.

BLACK AEROPLANE
• The lesson “Black Aeroplane” by #FrederickForsyth
reflects on how one’s judgement gets distorted due to
fantasizing and how it creates problems.
• In this chapter, the narrator is a pilot who is so eager to
meet his family and have a good breakfast that he takes
the wrong decision of facing the storm instead of doing
the right thing.
• Miraculously, he somehow manages to escape with the
help of a #MysteriousAeroplane. Black Aeroplane. The
story “Black Aeroplane” is about a pilot who feels happy
and contended to fly over a city that is sleeping (at the
night time).
• He is flying from Paris to London. While taking his flight,
he dreams about the long holiday with his family.
• He also fantasizes about the scrumptious breakfast he
would have upon landing.
• As soon as he crosses Paris, he gets a look of the dark
clouds that were a sign of the upcoming storm.
• The right decision would have been to turn back to Paris
for the sake of safety.
• But he being overshadowed by his dreams and not
wanting to delay them, risks the life of his passengers
and heads straight into the storm.
• Everything gets dark, he is unable to see, all his direction
instruments stopped functioning and he lost control of
the plane.
• When all hope was lost, he saw another plane whose pilot
was more than willing to rescue them.
• The author was panicking as there was very less amount
of fuel left.
 • The anonymous pilot guided them out of the storm and
disappeared as soon as they saw light.
• Upon landing, when he asks the lady in the control room
about the other pilot, he is left in shock when she says
that his was the only plane in the sky.
Conclusion of Two Stories about Flying
The first part of the story teaches us that the inner strength of
the person is always helpful in overcoming difficult situations,
while the second part teaches us that we should not risk the
lives of others to fulfil our dreams.

QUESTION BANK
Q. 1. He just felt a bit dizzy. Then he flapped his wings once
and he soared upwards. "Ga, ga, ga, Ga, ga, ga, Gawcol-ah,"
his mother swooped past him, her wings making a loud noise.
He answered her with another scream. Then his father flew
over him screaming. He saw his two brothers and his sister
flying around him curveting and banking and soaring and
diving. Then he completely forgot that he had not always been
able to fly, and commended himself to dive and soar and
curve, shrieking shrilly.
(i) Pick the most appropriate reason why the young gull felt
dizzy.
(a) He hadn't eaten anything for a day.
(b) He was dizzy with excitement.
(c) He was wary of heights.
(d) He was flying for the first time.
(ii) How would you describe the screams of the gulls in the
given extract?
(a) elation (b) bewilderment (c) shock (d) protection
(iii) The line "he completely forgot that he had not always
been able to fly" implies the
(a) great confidence the young gull had in his skills.
(b) naturalness of the act of flying for the young gull.
(c) satisfaction and joy of flying together as a family.
(d) desire of the young gull to leave his fears behind.
(iv) The extract refers to the many movements of the young
gull's brothers and sister.
Choose the option that correctly sequences these movements.
(a) The young gull's brothers and sister flew by tilting their
wings, rose high, made darting movements and plunged
headfirst.
(b) The young gull's brothers and sister flew by plunging
headfirst, making darting movements, titled their wings and
rose high.
(c) The young gull's brothers and sister flew with darting
movements, titled their wings, rose high and plunged
headfirst.
(d) The young gull's brothers and sister flew by rising high,
plunging headfirst, making darting movements and tilting
their wings.
(v) Which of the following mirrors the use of the literary
device in "shrieking shrilly"?
(a) sparkling saga (b) singing soft (c) slippery sloppily (d)
sneeze silently

BLACK AEROPLANE
Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was
impossible to see anything outside the
aeroplane. The old aeroplane and jumped and twisted in the
air. I looked at the compass. I couldn’t believe my eyes: the
compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead.
It would not work! The other instruments were suddenly dead,
too. I tried the radio.
(i) Name the author of the lesson from which these lines are
taken.
A. Liam O Flaherly
B. Robert Frost
C. Carolyn Wells
D. Frederick Forsyth
(ii) The scene inside the clouds was ___________
A. Partially black
B. Black
C. Brownish
D. Dark.
CH-04- FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
SUMMARY
From the Diary of Anne Frank is an autobiography of a young
Jewish girl who wrote her thoughts in a diary. At first, she felt
it was an unusual experience for her to pen down all her
thoughts in pen and paper. She believed that no one in the
near future would be interested to read about a young girl’s
past experiences from her diary. However, she still decided to
write her thoughts in her diary and named it “Kitty”. She
considered her diary to be her true and loyal friend as she was
lonely and had no friends to talk to. Anne felt that her diary
had more capacity to absorb thoughts than people with low
patience levels. Further, she mentioned how much she loved
her family, especially her adorable father who gifted her the
diary on her thirteenth birthday.
QUICK POINTS FOR REVISION
• On 20th June 1942, Anne stated how her entire class was
 nervous about their exam results. Although she was
confident about other subjects, she wasn’t quite sure
about mathematics.
• Besides, Anne also mentioned how the maths teacher, Mr
Keesing was annoyed by her talkative nature.
• He would often punish her with extra homework
whenever she talked more during his class. In the first
punishment, he asked her to write an essay on ‘A
Chatterbox’, which in itself was a weird topic for Anne.
• She gave a good thought about the topic and decided to
present convincing arguments in her essay, justifying her
points in support of talking.
• She mentioned that she would try to improve herself but
she could not do anything about the trait that she
inherited from her mother.
• When her teacher read the essay, he found it amusing and
assigned her a second essay ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’
for her unreformable talkative nature.
• However, during the third lesson Mr Keesing had read
enough of her justifications and assigned her another
topic entitled, ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress
Chatterbox’ as a punishment for her incorrigible habit.
• Anne almost ran out of thoughts after writing essays on
similar topics previously.
• This time she took the help of her friend, Sanne who was
good at poetry and wrote the essay from beginning to end
in satirical verse.
• When her teacher read the essay, he took it lightly and
thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then, Anne was allowed to
talk in class and was never assigned any extra homework
by Mr Keesing.
• In the chapter – From the Diary of Anne Frank, we learnt
that a young student should be allowed to interact in
class in order to feel joyous and have an enjoyable
learning experience.
THEME
There are several themes in the chapter “From the Diary of
Anne Frank.” One of the themes is the sacrifice of one human
being for another. The act of hiding people at the risk of your
own life and giving of your food, living space, and friendship
to spare the lives of people around you.
QUESTION BANK
Q1- What is a student’s trait?
(a) Walking
(b) Talking
(c) Running
(d) Studying
Q2- Who was Mr. Keesing?
(a) Anne’s Father
(b) Anne’s Maths teacher
(c) Anne’s Uncle
(d) None of the Above
Q3- When was Anne’s born?
(a) On 12th June 1929
(b) On 12th June 1930
(c) On 12th June 1931
(d) On 12th June 1932
Q4- What do most people do in their diary?
(a) About their hobby
(b) Write facts
(c) Write their happiest moment
(d) None of the Above
Q5- Who was Anne’s true friend?
(a) Her pen ‘kitty’
(b) Her cat ‘kitty’
(c) Her diary ‘kitty’
(d) None of the Above
Q6- How old was Anne’s father when he married her mother?
(a) 34
(b) 35
(c) 36
(d) 32
Q7- What was the name of Anne Frank’s sister?
(a) Margaret
(b) Margot
(c) Marrie
(d) Martina
Q8- What was Anne Frank’s full name?
(a) Anneliese Marie Frank
(b) Anna Mariam Frank
(c) Anne Mark Frank
(d) Anneliese Martina Frank
Q9- Why did she not want to give a brief in the diary at first?
(a) she didn’t want to be formal
(b) she wanted the diary to be her real friend
(c) She did not like the idea
(d) both 1 and 2
Q10- When was the diary given to Anne?
(a) 11th birthday
(b) 12th birthday
(c) 13th birthday
(d) 14th birthday
Q11- What would the kids bet about in class?
(a) who is more talkative
(b) who would pass the class
(c) football matches
(d) baseball matches
Q12- Why does Anne think she was lonely?
(a) she had no friends
(b) she had no real friends
(c) she was all alone
(d) she was an introvert
Q13- How did Anne justify her being talkative in the essay?
(a) she discussed the subject topics in class
(b) it is a habit
(c) it is an inherited trait from her mother and you can’t do
much about it
(d) the class is boring
Q14- Which topic was she to write an essay on as a part of her
punishment?
(a) A Chatterbox
(b) An incorrigible chatterbox
(c) Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox
(d) all of the above
Q15- Which subject was she not sure of passing?
(a) Maths
(b) science
(c) English
(d) all of the above
Q16- What did she name her diary?
(a) Anne
(b) Catty
(c) Kitty
(d) Kitten

CHAPTER-07- GLIMPSES OF INDIA

BAKERS FROM GOA
➢ The lesson begins with how narrator’s elders often recall
the time when Goa was under the rule of the Portuguese.
They talk how the importance of bakers is still
maintained in their villages even after the Portuguese
have left.
➢ They are known as ‘Paders’ in Goa. The mixers,
moulders and their time-tested furnaces continue to serve
the people of Goa with their famous bread loaves.
➢ It is possible that the original ones may not exist, but
their profession is being continued by their sons. The
 thud of their bamboo stick can still be heard in some
parts of the village.
➢ The same jingling thud would wake the narrator and his
friends during their childhood days who would go
running to him without brushing or washing their mouth
properly.
➢ It was the maid-servant of the house who collected the
loaves while children sorted out the bread bangles for
themselves.
➢ Bakery products have importance in the culture and
traditions of Goa. Bol or sweet bread is a part of
marriage gifts, cakes and Bolinhas or coconut cookies
are eaten at every festival and the lady of the house
prepares sandwiches at her daughter’s engagement.
➢ Earlier bakers wore a unique frock of knee-length known
as ‘kabai’ but during the narrator’s childhood days, they
wore shirt and trousers of length slightly shorter than the
usual ones.
➢ They generally collected their bills at the end of every
month. Bakery has continued to be a profitable
profession, managing to keep their families joyous and
prosperous.
QUESTION BANK
1. Why do you think a baker’s furnace was indispensable
in Goan society?
The Portuguese with their famous loaves of bread had left
an indelible imprint in Goan society. Even though the
eaters of the loaves might have vanished the makers have
retained their place because of their delicious make. The
mixers, moulders, and the time-tested furnaces still exist
in the Goan society. Baking is still a priority with lot many
popular dishes made on various occasions. Bread added to
the charm of every party and celebration. Sandwiches are
made on the occasion of a daughter’s engagement
followed bol on marriages. Cakes and bolinhas are a must
for Christmas. Thus, we see that there is no celebration
without bread and its varieties. Thus, we see that the baker
and his furnace was indispensable in the Goan society.

2.Give a pen portrait of a Goan baker as presented in the

lesson in about 100 words.
A baker played a very important place in the Goan
society. He led a happy and prosperous life because
bread was an indispensable part of Goan life. The baker
was called a pader who visited the houses once when he
set out on his selling round and then again when he
returned after emptying his basket. He recorded his
accounts on the wall and collected his bills at the end of
the month. He was considered a friend, companion and
guide. In the olden days he used to wear a kabai and later
that changed to a shirt and a trouser. The trouser was
shorter than a full-length pants and longer than a short
pants. There were many varieties of bread and other
dishes which were very popular and hence the baker and
his dishes were in great demand.

3. What do our elders nostalgically reminisce about?

Our elder are seen to reminisce about the Portuguese
days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.
Though the eaters have gone the makers are still there.
The mixers, the moulders and the furnaces still exist. The
fire in the furnaces still continue in spite of the passage
of time. The profession of baking bread still continues in
spite of the end of the Portuguese rule. The unique loaves
of bread are baked to be enjoyed. Even today the thud
and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can be
heard. Marriages, feasts and festivals like Christmas lose
their charm without the varieties of bread.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. What are the time-tested things that still exist in Goa?
The furnaces of the bakers are the time-tested things that
still exist in Goa.
2. What was the baker considered to be in the author’s
childhood?
The baker was considered to be a friend, companion and
guide in the author’s childhood.
3. When did the baker visit the houses?
The baker visited the houses in the morning as he set out
to sell and later after the breads were sold.
4. Why did the children rush to meet the baker in the
morning?
The children were eager to have the bread-bangles and
hence they rushed to meet the baker.
5. How did the family know about the arrival of the
baker?
The thud and the jingle of the baker’s bamboo
announced the arrival of the baker.
6. What accompanied the marriage gifts?
The sweet bread called ‘Bol’ accompanied the marriage
gifts.
7. What are compulsorily made for Christmas?
Cakes and Bolinhas are compulsorily made for
Christmas.
8. What reminds one about the good old Portuguese
days?
The famous loaves of bread remind one about the good
old Portuguese days.
9. Where did the baker record the monthly accounts?
The baker recorded the monthly accounts on a wall.
10. Name the writer of the lesson ‘A Baker from Goa’.
Lucio Rodrigues is the writer of the lesson ‘A Baker
from Goa’.
COORG
Coorg is coffee country also famous for its rainforests
and spices. This is an article about this place which lies
midway between Mysore and the coastal town of
Mangalore.
About the Author:
Dr. Lokesh Abrol is a doctor, traveller, and social
entrepreneur. His love for India can be seen through his
writings and photographs.
Summary:
Coorg is a small district in Karnataka and is also known
as Kodagu. Coorg lies somewhere, between Mangalore
and Mysore. The author expresses the beauty of this
place by calling it heaven drifted from the kingdom of
god. Coorg boasts of a proud race of martial men,
beautiful women and wild creatures. It is famous for its
coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices.
Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen
rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from
September to March. The city is flaunted by beautiful
colonial bungalows in prime corners. The people of
Coorg are independent and brave. Coorgi homes have a
tradition of hospitality. The Coorg regiment is one of the
most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the
Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even
today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are
allowed to carry firearms without a license. Tourists can
enjoy a variety of natural scenes. Kaveri, the only river
of the area, gets its water from Coorgi hill. Elephants,
kingfishers, squirrels and langurs are found in these
regions. Also, birds, bees and butterflies are a common
sight here. Many adventurous games like river rafting,
canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking
are done here. The trekkers find numerous walking trails
in this area. From the Brahmagiri hills, one can enjoy a
panoramic view of the entire landscape of Coorg. There
is a sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama nearby. It can
be reached through a rope bridge. Buddhist monks are
settled in Bylakuppe which is very close to this place.
QUESTION BANK
1. What is the story about the Kodavu people's descent?
Answer: According to the author, the fiercely
independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or
Arabic descent. A part of Alexander's army moved south
along the coast. They settled there when return became
impractical. These people married amongst the locals and
their culture is evident in the martial traditions, marriage
and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu
mainstream. The Kodavus wear a long, black coat, with
an embroidered waist-belt, known as kuppia. It
resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
This supports the theory of Arab origin.
2. What are some of the things you now know about,
(i) the people of Coorg?
(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
(iii) the sports it offers to tourists?
(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
(v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
Answer :
(i)The people of Coorg are fiercely independent. They
are of Greek or Arabic descent.
They have a tradition of hospitality. They enjoy
recounting numerous tales of valour
related to their sons and fathers. Kodavus are the only
people in India permitted to carry
firearms without a license. The author has described the
people of Coorg as a proud
race of martial men and beautiful women.
(ii)Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. The coffee estates
stand tucked under tree
canopies in prime corners.
(iii)The sports that Coorg offers to tourists are river
rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock
climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.
(iv)The animals that one is likely to see in Coorg are
birds, bees, butterflies, macaques,
Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, and wild
elephants.
(v)The distance between Coorg and Bangalore is around
260 km. There are two routes
to Coorg from Bangalore and both are of the same
distance. The most frequented route is the one via
 Mysore. The other route is via Neelamangal, Kunigal,
and Chanrayanapatna.
TEA FROM ASSAM
KEY POINTS:
➢ Pranjol and Rajvir were visiting Assam by train.
➢ Rajvir was busy looking at the beautiful scenery
outside the train.
➢ It was green everywhere as far as the eye could see.
➢ The soft green paddy bushes gave way to tea
bushes.
➢ Assam has the largest concentration of tea
plantation in the world.
➢ The Chinese are said to have discovered tea.
➢ There is also an Indian legend saying that
Bodhidharma discovered tea.
➢ From China, tea came to the European countries
and then to Asian countries.
➢ Pranjol’s father managed Dhekiabari, a tea garden.
➢ There were many tea pluckers around the tea
bushes.
➢ The best tea is obtained between May to July.
QUESTION BANK
Question 1.
Rajvir seemed to have a lot of information about tea. What all
does he tell? What character trait about him is revealed? Is it
essential for children?
Rajvir had been invited to spend his vacations with his
classmate Pranjol whose father was the manager of a tea
estate in Assam. He was quite excited about the trip and had
gathered considerable amount of information about where tea
originated and how it became such a popular beverage. He
informs that about 50 crore cups of tea are consumed daily
and that the name tea itself has originated from Chinese. He
narrates two popular legends about the origin of tea. Rajvir
exhibits an important value trait, that is the pre-requisite to
gain knowledge-curiosity and eagerness to know. Moreover,
he is not a passive learner but is proactive in collecting prior
information to any real experience. He likes to do his
homework thoroughly before going to a place. This is
something very appreciable and children should develop this
habit of finding out about the place they are going to visit.
These are extremely desirable traits for all learners.
Question 2.
What information did Rajvir share with Pranjol and his
father?
Rajvir had a lot of information about tea. He told Pranjol that
though there are many legends about it, no one actually
knows about the origin of it. One Chinese legend says that it
was accidentally discovered by a Chinese Emperor. Another
legend, which is Indian, says that it was discovered by
Bodhidharma. The legend says that he cut off his eyelids as
he felt sleepiness during meditation and tea plants grew out
of them to banish sleep when they were drunk. He also knew
that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. and it reached
Europe in the sixteenth century as a medicine. He also
informed Pranjol that the words tea, chai and chini are
Chinese. He even had knowledge about the sprouting season
on the second-flush which is the best in the world.

MADAM RIDES THE BUS

➢ The lesson is about an eight-year-old girl named Valli, who
did not have friends to play with and so she would spend
her time by looking at the outside affairs going on the
street. Her favourite part was to look at the bus that passed
by her village every hour. It gave her endless joy to look at
the new set of passengers each time the bus crossed by.
➢ Gradually, even she wished to travel by bus. Soon, the
wish turned into a desire and therefore, she made it her
mission to fulfill it.
➢ She started listening to the conversations between her
neighbours who frequently travelled by bus and in the
process, would ask a few careful questions here and there
to collect more information.
➢ Just like this, she knew that the town is six miles away
from her village and it took the bus forty-five minutes to
travel one side. One-sided fare was thirty paise making it
sixty for a back-and-forth ride.
➢ Therefore, she started planning and re-planning so that
she could sneak out during her mother’s afternoon nap
and come back without her knowing anything. She
needed to save the money which was not easy as she had
to resist the temptation of candy, peppermint and merry-
go-round. Finally, she saved enough money and one fine
day, the brave eight-year-old took the bus during it’s not
very busy hours.
➢ She refused to take any help from the conductor or
fellow passengers.
➢ It was an amusing sight for everyone to see such a small
girl all alone acting like an adult. The conductor was of
the joking sort and thus, referred to Valli as a grown up
‘madam’. Short-heighted Valli would stand on her seat to
be able to see clearly from the window while everyone
 advised her to sit for her own safety.
➢ Each time someone would poke their nose in her
business, Valli would get annoyed as she did not consider
herself a child. She did not want to be friends with an
elderly lady who was worried about her because she
thought she was not socially-capable enough.
➢ She enjoyed seeing what was going on outside and the
sight of a running cow in the middle of a road was
abruptly a funny scenario for her. Upon reaching the
town, she refused to get down the bus because she was
too afraid to do so alone.
➢ While returning, she carried extreme enthusiasm until
she saw a cow lying lifeless on the road. It was the same
cow that was so joyous previously.
➢ Valli got terrified at the fact that how a creature so full of
life can instantly turn into something horrible. She sat
down silently for rest of the journey. Upon reaching
home, she found her mother and aunt talking about the
endless possibilities in the world outside.
➢ Valli affirmed to what her mother was saying leaving
both of them astonished.
➢ She then justified her reaction by mentioning that she
was casually agreeing to what her mother was saying.
Her aunt then referred to Valli as a nose-poking child
who acts like a grown-up lady but only Valli knew what
she was referring to because, after all, no one knew about
her bus journey.
QUESTION BANK
Question 1.
In such a fast-moving world when we hear so many incidents
happening with people,
do you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the
bus journey? [CBSE2015]
No, I don’t think that Valli did the right thing in travelling
alone to the town without informing her mother. By doing
this, she put herself in a vulnerable position as she could have
easily been a victim of child abuse had she come in contact
with wrong people. In fact, she was lucky to return home
safety.
Children should always travel along with their parents or
elders as they are easy targets for criminals. We hear a lot of
instances of crime committed against children these days like
kidnapping, child abuse, molestation, rape etc. Valli could
have expressed her desire of travelling in the bus to her
mother. I am sure that her mother would have fulfilled her
wish by talking her on a bus ride.
Question 2.
The people and surroundings are a great book to learn. Valli in
the lesson ‘Madam Rides The Bus’ learns a lot from others.
Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn
from her surroundings.
Valli dreamt of riding on the bus. Her eagerness to fulfill her
dream fired her curiosity. This curiousness led her to listen to
the conversations of people going on the bus ride and asking
discreet questions so that she could gather as much
information as she can regarding the bus journey.
On the bus journey, Valli acted confidently and behaved
maturedly. She did not consider herself to be any less than an
adult. She was focused on fulfilling her dream and did not get
tempted to go outside the bus and explore the town when the
bus reached the town. On the return journey, she learnt about
death when she came to terms with the dead cow. This made
her aware of the fact that death is a part of life and should be
accepted as it is a natural phenomenon. Thus, the bus journey
made her learn a lot of things.
Question 3.
Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something
different and great. Which characteristics of Valli help her
achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender
age? [CBSE 2014]
In today’s era, age is no more a barrier. Children are doing
wonders at a very young age. Same goes with Valli. At an age
of 8 years, Valli was able to pursue her dream all alone by
travelling in the bus to town. She was no different from
others, except that she had certain characteristics that made
her fulfil her dreams. Valli was a very confident and a bold
girl. She had a knowledge of proper planning and execution.
She controlled her wishes to save money for the bus ride.
Also, she was a very good observer and learner. All these
qualities made her realise the dream of visiting the town.
Hence, one should always remember that there is no age to
learn and experience new things.
Question 4.
What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the
text that you have read.
[CBSE 2012]
Valli was a detetmined, confident and brave girl. She was also
a good planner and executioner. She sacrificed a lot of things
to achieve her dream. For example, she curbed the temptation
to buy sweets and riding on the merry-go-round in the fair so
that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all
these things at such a tender age is very difficult for a child.
She also behaved confidently in the bus and did not get
bobbed down in the presence of elders.
When the bus reached the town, Valli did not succumb to the
temptation of going out to
explore the town or having a drink. She did this as she had a
limited amount of money
which she wanted to ‘ save for her return journey. So, Valli
used her money wisely. When the conductor offered her a
drink, she showed good manners in refusing to haveit.
Question 5.
The author describes the things that Valii sees from an eight-
year-old’s point of view. Can
you find evidence from the text for this statement?
The author has described the things that Valli saw from an
eight-year-old’s point of view. She was fascinated by a bus.
Watching the bus filled with a new set of people each time
was a source of unending joy for her. Her strongest desire was
to ride the bus. She saved money by cutting on peppermints,
toys, and balloons, and even resisting the temptation to ride
the merry-go-round at the fair. When the author describes the
bus, the points he stresses on are the colour and look of the
bus. It was a ‘new bus’, painted a ‘gleaming white’. The
overhead bars ‘shone like silver’. The seats were ‘soft and
luxurious’. The descriptions that the author gives when Valli
looked outside are also typical for an eight-year-old. The
‘blue, blue sky’ and the ‘acres and acres of green fields −
green, green, green’ show the enthusiasm of a kid on looking
at different colours. Valli clapped her hands in glee on
watching a cow run right in front of the bus. She found it so
funny that tears came into her eyes. On the other hand, she
was overcome with sadness on her way back when she saw
the same cow lying dead. It had been a ‘lovable, beautiful
creature’ and later it ‘looked so horrible’. The memory of the
dead cow haunted her so much that she refused to look
outside the window. These are the typical reactions of a young
child.
THE SERMON AT BENARES
Gautama Buddha was born in a North Indian royal family. He
was born as a prince. Moreover, his childhood name was
Siddhartha Gautama. He was sent to a faraway place to study
Hindu sacred scriptures at the age of twelve. Then, upon
returning after four years, he got married to a princess. Soon,
they both were blessed with a son. Then, they continued to
live the royal life for about ten years. The Royals were
shielded from the unpleasant experiences of the world.
However, one day, on his way to hunt, the Prince met a sick
man, an aged man, a funeral procession and a monk who was
begging for. Such experiences acted as an eye-opener for him
Hence, he left all the royalty behind to seek a higher sense of
spiritual knowledge. Then, when he attained salvation, he
began preaching. His first sermon given in the city of Benares.
There was a lady whose name was Kisa Gotami whose son
has died. She was suffering from unending pain. Thus, she
went from house to house looking for medicine to make her
son alive. People thought that the lady has lost her senses.
However, one day, she met a man who directed her towards
Lord Buddha. He felt that Buddha could possibly have a
solution for her problem. Then, Buddha asked her to look for
mustard seeds and the seeds must be procured from a house
where there had been no death. Filled with hope, Kisa Gotami
once again went on a search from house to house but she
could not find mustard seeds from a house according to
Buddha’s condition. Thus, she was disheartened and sat at the
edge of the road where she realised how selfish she had been.
She realised the fact that men are mortal. Also, no one could
escape the cycle of life. This was the only fact that Buddha
wanted her to understand.
According to Lord Buddha, feelings of grief and sorrow
increases man’s pain and suffering. It serves no other purpose.
Moreover, it deteriorates the health. Thus, a wise person who
is fully aware of nature’s functioning must not grieve at
something bound to happen. This is the only way in which he
can be happy and blessed.
Conclusion of The Sermon at Benares
The first sermon of Lord Buddha at Benares was the holiest. It
ended the suffering of a lady who had lost her son. She
accepted the truth and thus freed from pain.

THE PROPOSAL

INTRODUCTION
This article focuses on The Proposal summary. It is a one-act
play written by the Russian story writer and dramatist
Chekhov in 1888–89.
The play is about the tendency of rich families to hunt ties
with other wealthy families, to extend their estates by
encouraging marriages that observe economic sense. Ivan
Lomov, a wealthy neighbor of Stepan Chubukov, also
wealthy, who seeks the hand of Chubukov’s twenty-five-year-
old daughter, Natalya. All three are argumentative, and they
argue over petty issues. The proposal is on the verge of losing
in the middle of all this quarrelling. But economic common
sense ensures that the proposal is formed, in any case —
although the quarrelling perhaps continues.

SUMMARY
The curtain rises with Lomov entering his neighbour
Chubukov’s house in neatly dressed up attire. Chubukov in
great curiosity to see him well-dressed and asks him the
occasion. Lomov reveals that he had come for a desire.
Chubukov assumes that he must have come to ask for money
which he does not want to return. After knowing that Lomov
had come to invite Chubulov’s daughter, Natalya’s hand in
marriage, Chubukov leaves to call Natalya. Lomov is a 35
years old gentleman who suffers from palpitations and gets
upset very easily. He thinks it’s the right age for him to marry
and is happy that he is choosing Natalya. He believes, Natalya
is average-looking and an honest caretaker.

On Natalya’s arrival, Lomov initiates the conversation about

the cordial terms of both the families. While continuing to
speak about his land, he somehow mentions Oxen Meadows
which earlier was a disputed property but is now his. Natalya
is in the perception that Oxen Medows belong to her family.
Both enter into a heated discussion and act childishly and
Chubukov’s entry made it more heated. They shout and
scream while Lomov suffers from extreme palpitation and a
numb foot. They throw Lomov out of the house and continue
abusing him. While defaming him, Chubukov accidentally
reveals that he had a wedding proposal for Natalya which
surprises Natalya, and she suddenly regrets sending him out.
She tells her father to bring him back and Chubukov banes
himself for being the father of a young daughter.

When Lomov returns, Natalya tries to deviate the topic by

talking about shooting. Little later they enter into a debate on
their dogs. Natalya strongly believes that her dog Squeezer is
better in comparison to Lomov’s Guess. They continue
arguing when Chubukov enters the scene only to form things
worse again. Everyone gets hyper and Lomov finally falls
because of palpitations. Even then, the cursing continues
when suddenly Natalya notices that he’s unconscious. As they
find him unable to drink water, declare him dead. After a
while Lomov moves a bit, they give him some water to drink
and Chubukov forcefully hands over Natalya’s hands to him,
gives his blessings and asks them to kiss. After regaining his
senses, he expresses his excitement and kisses Natalya’s
hands. Natalya again keeps convincing him that Squeezer is
better than Guess but Lomov, being adamant refuses to accept
this and the quarrelling continues.

Conclusion of The Proposal

The drama displays the greed of rich families to marry their
children into other wealthy families with the aim of enhancing
their wealth.
QUESTION BANK
Question .
The principle ‘forgive and forget’, helps a lot in maintaining
cordial relations with our neighbours. Do you think Anton
Chekov conveys this message in the play ‘The Proposal’?

Anton Chekov does convey the message that the principle of

‘forgive and forget’ helps a lot in -maintaining cordial
relationship with one’s neighbours. Initially, the neighbours in
the play, Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov were fighting over
petty issues. They were putting important issues behind them
and wasting their time by arguing over small things. These
arguments slowly developed into fights and they started
hurling abuses at one another. This damaged their relationship
with each other.

It was when Natalya came to know that Lomov had come to

propose her that she left the topic of argument (Oxen
Meadows) behind. She also asked for forgiveness from
Lomov and requested him to come to the point. Hence it is
mandatory to ‘forgive and forget’ if one wants to have cordial
relationship with others.

Question .
Based on your understanding of the Play ‘The Proposal’ how
do you think good relationships can be maintained? Why in
today’s time we see so many people going away from each
other?

Answer:
The play ‘The Proposal’ teaches us how anger and arguments
can easily ruin a relationship. Thus to maintain a good
relationship, it is important to have a control over your anger.
Having
arguments over unimportant or small issues is extremely
harmful and a waste of time. If someone commits a mistake,
one should be ready to forgive and forget rather than being
angry and arguing with the person endlessly. In today’s time
people try to find only the positives in others and do not easily
accept their negatives. Hence is becoming extremely difficult
to maintain a good and cordial relationship with others.
Question .
It is a common observance that more attention is paid to
unimportant issues at the cost of important ones. The play
‘The Proposal’ beautifully portrays this fact. Suggest some
steps how we can avoid this unhealthy practice.
Answer:
It is true to an extent that people usually give more
importance to the unimportant issues forgetting their
priorities. Just like how Lomov came to propose Natalya but
due to their argument that matter was left unaddressed. Thus,
it becomes very important to set your priorities in life. One
must ignore the unimportant issues. It is a waste of time to
have discussions over them. One ’ should not pay too much
attention on the trivialities. This energy can be saved on
spending it over some useful and important issues that gives a
fruitful result.
Question.
Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov
and Natalya do not have. Describe the first fight between
them.

Answer:
Lomov and Natalya meet and rather than proposing her he
gets off the point. He tells her how he inherited his land and
how he respects her father. He also tells Natalya that his Oxen
meadows touch Natalya’s Birchwood. On hearing this,
Natalya says that Oxen Meadows are theirs. They start
arguing about it. Lomov clarifies that he is talking about the
Oxen Meadows that are between her Birchwoods and Burnt
marsh. Natalya again insists that they are theirs. Lomov
refuses it. He tells her that his aunt’s grandmother gave those
meadows to her father’s grandfather. The peasants used the
land for forty years and started regarding it as their own.
Natalya’s father comes and also starts quarreling with Lomov.
They get into a heated argument and resort to name-calling.
After some time, Lomov leaves their house.

Question - Give a character sketch of Lomov.

Answer: Lomov was a funny man. Physically he was weak
but financially he was sound. He was a rich bachelor who
wanted to marry Natalya. He was not really in love with
Natalya but wanted to marry her because he thought that she
was a good-housekeeper and beautiful. He said if he desired
for an ideal or real love, he would never get married. He felt
that he was 35, now he must lead a quiet and regular life.
When he went to propose her, he got diverted. Actually,
Natalya thought that he had come to claim oxen meadows as
his own, quarrel took place between them. One more time
they quarreled over petty issues. Before finally proposing to
her, he fainted and after that shouted a lot but finally
succeeded to get acceptance.

Question -. Justify the title The Proposal.

Answer: The title of the play The Proposal is very
appropriate. A young man, Lomov wants to propose Natalya
for marriage. He goes to her house for the same. Being
confused, he doesn’t propose at once. He beats about the
bush. He speaks irrelevantly. As Natalya doesn’t know that he
has come to propose her, she thinks that he has come to claim
oxen meadows as his own, she starts quarrelling. This results
in one after another quarrel. After her father Chubukov
reconciles; Natalya comes to know that he has come to
propose her. Then at once she forgets the issue of fighting.
Then the proposal is made and accepted. Finally, they get
engaged.

FIRE AND ICE

Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice” expresses the profound
idea that the world would end in either of two ways, either by
ice or fire. Both the components are compared with self-
destructing human emotions: hatred and desire. The poem,
very artistically, underpins the philosophy that we let our
emotions rule us and if don’t control them they will surely
destroy everything around us. Similarly, he thinks fire and ice,
both are just as competent in bringing the world to a
catastrophic end.
KEY POINTS
• Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice” is a strong symbolic
poem where the fire is used as the emotion of desire and
ice, that of hatred.
• He has used the idea of two groups who have their own
possible explanation for the end of the world. One is of
the opinion that fire alone can destroy each and every
possibility of life on Earth while the other thinks that if
ice as a result of extremely low temperatures could cover
the earth’s surface, it would lead to the end of the world.
• Both the components are compared with self-destructing
human emotions: desire and hatred. The poet is original
of the opinion that he has been very closely associated
 with the “fiery desires” and considers it capable of
bringing human beings on the verge of destruction.
• Thus, he considers fire as more competent for destruction.
But then he thinks that “icy hatred” is just as capable of
ruining humans, though slowly and steadily.
• Therefore, if Earth was to end twice, ice would be just as
good as fire.
• If a fire would lead to rapid destruction, ice would lead to
silent damage.
• Similarly, if the fire is pure passion, ice is pure reason.
Thus, the poem, very artistically, underpins the
philosophy that we let our emotions rule us and if don’t
control them they will surely bring us all on the verge of
chaos.
QUESTION BANK
Q1- Who is the poet of the poem "Fire and Ice"?
A) Leslie Norris
B) Robert Frost
C) Carolyn Wells
D) Robin Klein
Q2- What does the poet compare fire with?
A) hatred
B) desire
C) hot
D) both 1 and 3
Q3- What is the meaning of "perish"?
A) bloom
B) rise
C) die
D) glow
Q4- What would suffice if the world were to perish
twice?
A) ice
B) fire
C) hatred
D) both 1 and 2
Q5- What would be a better option to end the earth?
A) fire
B) ice
C) both are equally competent
D) none
Q6- What is the rhyming scheme of the poem?
A) abaa bcbcb
B) aaba bcbcb
C) aaab bcbcb
D) abab bcbcb
 Q7- Name the poetic device used in the line "I hold with
those who favour fire".
A) Assonance
B) Alliteration
C) None
D) Both
Q8- Name the poetic device used in the line "Some say
the world will end in fire".
A) Metaphor
B) Imagery
C) Alliteration
D) Oxymoron
Q9- Name the poetic device used in the line "To say that
for destruction ice is also great".
A) Metaphor
B) Imagery
C) Alliteration
D) Oxymoron
Q10- Where has he used personification?
A) fire
B) ice
C) earth
D) both 1 and 2
THE BALL
The poet John Berryman through his poem, ‘The ball poem’
has described the reality of life which everyone has to face
one day. He has touched the topic of how to stand up against
the miseries and sorrows of life. The poet is talking about a
little boy who has lost his ball.
This poem is about losing something which we love and then
learning to grow up. It is about a little boy, who in his young
life, for the first time, is learning what it is like to experience
grief after the loss of a much-beloved possession which is
here his ball. Maybe for us, the loss of a ball is of minor
consequence. Our natural reaction may be that still there are
many more balls. So, need not worry. But to a little boy, this is
something different. One can get another ball with a very less
amount of money. But, money is external and immortal here,
as it cannot buy back the love and hence cannot replace the
things that we love.
In this poem, the boy’s ball van is easily personifying with his
young days and which were happy and innocent. People may
take balls just as they will take away our innocence and force
us to grow up soon. And once we lose our innocence, then we
cannot get it back. But, despite all of these we have to learn to
stand up. Obviously we need to be strong and get on with our
life, irrespective of the sadness inside. This is the only way we
will survive. Therefore, we have to learn to accept and let go.
The poet has made the use of the imagery while telling how
the ball personifies the spirit of the boy’s childish innocence.
We may visualize how the spirit of this little boy, like the ball,
is sinking into the dark waters of the harbour. And as it drifts
further away, the little boy will learn to grow up, and that part
is linked to that ball grows up as well, until it is no longer a
little boy.
Thus the reader may interpret this poem literally and
metaphorically both. If literally, then it is a soulful picture of
little boys growing up and learning to deal with the loss of the
first in his possession. If metaphorically, then it is the story of
mankind learning to deal with the loss of their loved things or
people.
Conclusion of The Ball Poem
This poem successfully describes how we may feel to lose
something that we love and grow up eventually without it.

QUESTION BANK
1. Who would not intrude the boy?
(a) The Ball
(b) The Poet
(c) The Gloves
(d) None of the Above

2. Why is money called external?

(a) We need to earn money through hardworker.
(b) We can replace the lost things with its help.
(c) It is made from artificial way.
(d) None of the Above

3. What was the reaction of the boy at the loss of his

ball?
(a) Sad
(b) Confused
(c) Happy
(d) None of the Above

4.What has the boy lost in the water?

(a) his ball
(b) his bat
(c) his wicket
(d) his gloves

5. Name the literary device used in “Merrily bouncing,

 down the street, and then Merrily over — there it is in
the water!”
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Alliteration
(d) Anaphora
6. Does the poet condole the boy?
(a) can’t say
(b) yes
(c) no
(d) All of them

7. How does the child react at the loss?

(a) stands rigid
(b) trembles
(c) stares
(d) all of them

8.Where does the ball go?

(a) drain
(b) well
(c) house
(d) water

9.Who is the poet of the Ball poem?

(a) Leslie Norris
(b) John Berryman
(c) Carolyn Wells
(d) Robert Frost

10. Name the literary device used in “And no one buys a

ball back.”
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Alliteration
(d) Anaphora

A TIGER IN THE ZOO

The poem written by Leslie Norris explains the agony and
helplessness of a caged tiger that lives in a zoo. The poet
explains what his life could be if he had been a free animal.
The poet has tried to explain about the condition of animals
that are caged by human beings for their own fun.
A Tiger in the Zoo Summary – The poem begins with a
description of a tiger that is very beautiful and is walking in
his little cage. He has beautiful stripes on his skin and has
velvet like soft paws. But the tiger is not happy and is quite
angry about being confined in the cage. The poet says that if
the tiger was not confined to the zoo cage, he would have
been hiding himself behind the long grass near some water
body, in order to catch its prey that is the deer. Also, he would
have terrorised the residents of the villages around the forest
area. But the reality is totally opposite to this. He was
confined in a cage which was made up of strong building
material and he was helpless there. He could not show his
power to the visitors, therefore, never tried to terrorize them.
The tiger is described as being powerless and agonized by the
poet. He says that during night also he is alone, hearing the
voice of the patrolling vehicles of police and looking at the
stars. The cage life has totally changed the tiger’s personality.
The poet is trying to say that the animal which is famous for
its fearlessness and freedom is confined and sad due to the
human beings who want to derive pleasure by looking at him
in the zoo cage.
Q1- The poem draws a contrast between _____ and _____ .
A) animals, human beings
B) tiger in a zoo, tiger in a forest
C) tiger in a zoo, humans
D) humans, tiger in forest

Q2- What has been personified in the poem?

A) tiger
B) forest
C) zoo
D) all of the above
Q3- Name the poetic device used in the line "In his quiet
rage".
A) metaphor
B) assonance
C) Oxymoron
D) Consonance
Q4- Name the poetic device used in the line "He stalks in his
vivid stripes".
A) metaphor
B) assonance
C) Oxymoron
D) Consonance
Q5- Name the poetic device used in the line "On pads of
velvet quiet".
A) metaphor
B) assonance
C) Oxymoron
D) Consonance
Q6- Name the poetic device used in the line "Baring his white
fangs,his claws".
A) metaphor
B) assonance
C) Oxymoron
D) Consonance
Q7- Why should he be lurking in shadow?
A) out of fear
B) out of anger
C) to catch the deer
D) both 1 and 2
Q8- By "ignoring visitors", what is the poet trying to say?
A) tiger knows his power is restricted
B) there is no use of showing rage
C) he is less terrorising because of the cage
D) all of the above
Q9- What describes "tiger in a cell"?
A) Locked in concrete cell
B) snarling around houses
C) shadow, long grass
D) baring his white fangs
Q10- What described "tiger in a jungle"?
A) Locked in concrete cell
B) his strength behind bars
C) ignoring visitors
D) baring his white fangs

DUST OF SNOW
Dust of Snow’ is an awful poem of nature by Robert Frost. In
this poem a symbolic incident is present. The poet is standing
under a hemlock tree. He is in a sad mood. He thinks that his
day has been lost then a crow shakes the hemlock tree-and the
dust of snow falls on him. This little incident brings about a
sudden change in the state of the poet’s mind. His mood has
changed. He thinks that it has saved the rest of his day and
gets busy with his work like the crow.
1. What did the poet think of the day before the dust of snow
fell on him?
(a) He was energetic
(b) He was rude
(c) He was lucky
(d) His day was ruined.

2. How does the poet’s mood get changed?

(a) When he started running
(b) When started laughing
(c) When dust of snow fall on him
(d) None of the Above
3. Whose part of the day has been saved?
(a) Crow’s part of the day
(b) Tree’s part of the day
(c) Poet’s part of the day
(d) None of the Above
4.Where was the crow?
(a) Peepal Tree
(b) Hemlock Tree
(c) Deodar Cedar
(d) Banyan Tree
5. What are the two negative creatures that Frost used as
carriers of positivity?
(a) snow, dust
(b) hemlock tree, snow
(c) snow, crow
(d) hemlock tree, crow
6. Name the poetic device used in the line “And saved some
part”
(a) alliteration
(b) metaphor
(c) oxymoron
(d) similie
7. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
(a) baba cdcd
(b) abab cdcd
(c) abab cddc
(d) abba cdcd
8. The poet says, “Of a day I had rued”. What is the meaning
of “rued”?
(a) ruined
(b) held in regret
(c) ruled
(d) conquered
9. Who is the poet of the poem “Dust of Snow”?
(a) Leslie Norris
(b) Robert Frost
(c) Carolyn Wells
(d) Robin Klein
10.The crow and Hemlock tree symbolize ____
(a) sorrow
(b) happiness
(c) celebration
(d) death
AMANDA
➢ This poem is about Amanda. Its poet is Robin Klein.
➢ The poem focuses on the upbringing of a small child,
whose name is Amanda.
➢ It focuses on the struggles which a child is facing. Poet
Robin Klein makes the important point that the children
should never be deprived of their freedom.
➢ However, it is the parents who are responsible for the
proper upbringing of their child. But that should not
make the children feel imprisoned.
➢ Here, Amanda is ready to be acceptable by society, and
this training wants her freedom to be cut short.
➢ Her imagination is not given sufficient space, and
therefore it is making her annoyed. This annoyance is
making her desire even to be an orphan.
➢ This continuous annoying was making her moody too
much. Hence, the whole trajectory of this poem is
something with which we are all very much familiar.
QUESTION BANK
Discuss the importance of proper upbringing with
reference to the poem Amanda by Robin Klein.
Answer:
Upbringing plays an essential role in personality
development of an adult. Whenever we wish to admire or
criticise someone, we question the upbringing of that
person. Robin Klein’s poem Amanda highlights the
tension in the ‘proper’ upbringing of a child. To instil
good values and moral principles in a growing child
comes as a foremost duty for the parents. However, the
poem Amanda shows how a child feels trapped within
the cluster of instructions. Amanda is no less than a
victim in this travesty. No proper space is given to her
creativity. She is instructed for everything. As a result,
she feels trapped and seeks an escape. Her imagination
proves to be her escape and also her defence against her
nagging parents. Situation of Amanda is so worse that
she wishes to be an orphan, in order to get rid of her
parents. She imagines enacting various roles varying
from mermaid to Rapunzel. Amanda wishes to live alone
and carefree. It is
very important to understand the situation of Amanda
where her freedom is cut short by constant instructions
and guidelines. Proper balance should be maintained
when dealing with such delicate issues. Love and care
should always be part of this two-way transaction.
Question 2.
How does Amanda tackle the nagging nature of her
parents? Explain with examples from the poem. What
values does it portray about Amanda?
Answer:
Amanda is a small girl who is termed as moody for her
careless behaviour. But it is very surprising to know that
this is her defence mechanism to shield against her
nagging parents. Amanda is getting instructions from her
parents, which become too much to handle for the small
girl. She is told not to eat her nails and sit in a proper
position. Amanda’s response to it is her work of
imagination where she is a mermaid drifting effortlessly
by the languid river. Further, she is asked about cleaning
her room and finishing her homework to which she
reacts being an orphan roaming in the street and making
patterns with her bare feet. Amanda then faces the heat
for eating a chocolate, which had once caused her acne.
She takes the form of Rapunzel and wishes to live on top
of a tower away from everyone in her imagination.
Amanda’s parents are upset over her behaviour and
casualness, but she stays in her own world. All these
portray Amanda in a positive light while her parents in a
negative light. We as readers feel very sorry for a
childlike Amanda.
Question 3.
State the key points in the poem Amanda. What do you
learn from it?
Answer:
Every child is special in itself, and it requires a great deal
of patience and love to make them understand this.
Parents should give proper space to children, as they
learn through experiences as well. Children do tend to
learn certain bad habits, to undo that requires great level
of understanding and right approach. One cannot teach
their child everything in one day and expect them to
behave properly henceforth. It is natural for a child like
Amanda to seek freedom at her place, to curb that
freedom means to make her angry and moody. Growing
up of child should not be about dos and don’ts only. To
have nagging parents judging every action of child would
do more harm than good. Robin Klein points to the fact
that Amanda is forbidden to do anything without seeking
permission. Everything she does it is corrected by her
mother all the time, she cannot perform a single thing
according to her will. She can’t sit lazily around, she
can’t eat chocolate for that could cause acne. Life of
Amanda is very suffocating and limited in
itself. She yearns for freedom and choice. Her mother
doesn’t understand the fact that Amanda is innocent and
naive, she is too small to understand the benefits of
advice. Only thing that matters to Amanda’s mother is
what society will make of Amanda. We witness
miserable failure of parents when Amanda wishes to be
an orphan so that she could be free.
Question 1 : Why is Amanda getting scolded for having
chocolate?
Answer : Amanda is getting scolded for having
chocolates as previously it had caused her acne.
Amanda’s mother is very particular about such things.
Amanda is made conscious about her physical
appearance. It is very sad that at such a young age
Amanda is made to worry about natural experiences.

Question 2 : How life on a tower would be different from

life anywhere else for Amanda?
Answer : Life on a tower for Amanda would be very
different from her reality. Just like Rapunzel, even she
desires to live on top of a tower, away from everyday
chaos.
Amanda suffers due to the constant nagging from her
parents. She seeks, a place full of peace and serenity
(total silence), where there is no one to disturb her.
Hence, she wishes to live on a tower.
Question3 : Why does Amanda seem moody most of the
times?
Answer : Amanda seems moody most of the times
because she is trying to make an escape from her sorry
reality where she is nagged most of the times. It is indeed
a sorry state for a small child like Amanda to bear.Here
the only defence against such reality is her imagination
where she often escapes to. Hence, , it makes her
look moody and uninterested.

Question 4 : Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid,

an orphan, or Rapunzel?
Answer : Amanda wishes to be a mermaid so she could
drift alone by blissfully languid, emerald sea. She yearns
to be an orphan so that she is able to roam the sea
(streets) and make pattern using her bare feet in dust.
Being Rapunzel means she could live carefree on a high
tower. Amanda wishes to be these so that she could avoid
her suffocating reality.
Question 5 : Do you consider Amanda’s mother to be a
nagging mother?
Answer : Amanda’s mother is indeed a nagging mother.
She is all about instructions and finding faults. No doubt
it is her responsibility to instill good values in her
daughter, but not at the cost of her child’s happiness. One
should know how to strike a balance between
maintaining responsibilities and taking good care.
Question 6 : Is Amanda at fault at all?
Answer : Amanda is not at fault at all. It is too harsh for
a small child to understand the concept of acne and not
eating a chocolate. Love of parents is missing from
Amanda’s life. It is with pity that we look towards
Amanda. There is nothing worst for a child who wishes
to be an orphan. Amanda just seeks freedom from
overpowering environment around her.
Question 7: Is Amanda at fault at all?
Answer : Amanda is not at fault at all. It is too harsh for
a small child to understand the concept of acne and not
eating a chocolate. Love of parents is missing from
Amanda’s life. It is with pity that we look towards
Amanda. There is nothing worst for a child who wishes
to be an orphan. Amanda just seeks freedom from
overpowering environment around her.

THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON

Ogden Nash has written a poem about a little girl Belinda
who owns many pets, namely, a black kitten named ink,
grey mouse named blink, yellow dog named mustard and
a coward dragon named custard. The poet has described
every character to be brave except the dragon who is a
coward. But the whole situation changes when a pirate
attacked Belinda’s house. No one else had the guts to
face him, it was the dragon that killed the pirate. All the
characters are happy because they are saved by the
dragon but quickly change their thoughts and describe
themselves to be more powerful had the situation not
been so confusing for all of them.
The tale of custard the dragon is a ballad. It is a
humorous poem about a cowardly dragon named custard.
Custard is a pet of Belinda, a little girl who lives in a
little white house with her pets. She had a black kitten
named ink, a grey mouse named blink, a yellow dog
mustard and a cowardly dragon custard. The poet says
that all of them are very brave except the dragon. Others
were described as brave and are compared with animals
like bear, tiger or lion but the dragon is very timid. He
always demands a safe place for himself. All the other
characters make fun of him. But one night they are
surprised by the entry of a pirate in the house. All of
them get frightened and start hiding here and there. But
to everyone’s surprise, the dragon not only tackles him
but also eats him up. As all of them are saved by custard,
they thank him. But at the end, they realize that they used
to make fun of the dragon because of his being timid. So,
all of them suddenly start saying that they are braver and
could have handled the situation in a much better way.
Here the poet has tried to say that sometimes a timid
person is the actual hero in the toughest situations of life.
QUESTION BANK
Q.NO.1What was the trouble faced by Belinda and her
pets? How was the crisis resolved at last?
ANS. Belinda lived in her little white house along with
her pets Ink the kitten , Blink the mouse, Mustard the
dog and Custard the Dragon. One day, out of nowhere
appeared a pirate. Belinda saw him climbing the window.
The pirate looked very dangerous with pistol in both
hands and a cutlass in his mouth. Usually all the pets
including Belinda were confident of their bravery except
the dragon, as he used to cry for a nice safe cage to hide.
But now when the pirate spelled danger, all the pets
leaving aside the Dragon fled away from the scene
leaving Belinda alone. The Dragon who was cowardly, to
everyone’s surprise now became furious and started
snorting
like an engine. Clashing his tail with a clatter and clang
he charged at the pirate just like Robin would at a worm.
The pirate was puzzled and he was no match to the angry
Dragon. And the Dragon gobbled him up completely. In
this way Custard the Dragon resolved the crisis.
Q.NO-2 Do you find The tale of Custard the Dragon a
serious or a light-hearted poem?
Give reasons in support of your answer.
ANS. The tale of Custard the Dragon at one level is a
light-hearted poem and a serious poem at an another
level. The characters in the poem display behavioural
attributes, contrary to their appearance as well as nature.
It is humourous to see a huge Dragon crying for a cage
and Ink and Blink chasing lions. Also, Mustard looking
like a raging tiger. In the end they lived together as a
happy family. On the other hand, the poet indirectly hints
 at the attitude of man through these pets. Some people
like the pets boast of their lives without any valid reason,
while others keep feeling inferior about their lives like
the dragon. Also, the judgmental attitude of man can be
perceived
through the actions of Belinda and her pets about the
custard the Dragon.
Q.NO-3 What is the major theme that runs through the
poem? Discuss.
ANS. It is said that a book should never be judged by
seeing it’s cover. All the pets including Belinda fall into
this folly of making quick judgments. As they see
Custard cowardly, they start ridiculing the dragon and
calling the Dragon by names.
They continued to tease the Dragon until the time of the
arrival of the pirate. They are so called powerful Belinda
and Brave pets run away after seeing the pirate. The only
creature who faces the pirate boldly is the dragon. The
Dragon charges at him angrily and gobbles up the pirate
completely. Immediately, the pets and Belinda run
towards the Dragon to celebrate the success. Now they
have come to realize the real strength of the Dragon.
Q.NO-4 Discuss some of the images used by the poet in
the poem.
ANS. The poet has aptly used many images in the poem
to make the reader clearly understand what actually they
mean in the context of the poem.
The mouth of the dragon is compared to a fireplace. A
fireplace is the place in a house where the sticks are
burnt to keep oneself warm from cold climate. The nose
is compared to a chimney showing how the nose of the
dragon was fuming with smoke. Belinda was as a barrel
of bears. Bears are powerful animals. Barrel indicates a
container or the front tubular part of a gun. This shows
that Belinda had the explosive power of many bears.
Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Cage here signifies
refuge or a safety place. Custard snorted like an engine.
Custard angrily sprang into action like an engine on
move. The image of Robin shows the way how it would
charge at its prey.

CH-01- A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY

INTRODUCTION
This story is about Tricki, a dog who is the pet of a rich lady
named Mrs. Pumphrey. She loves her dog very much and is
unable to refuse him anything he wants. Tricki, is fond of
eating cream cakes and chocolates. So one day when Mrs.
Pumphrey is out with Tricki for a walk the narrator sees them
and stops to talk. While talking to Mrs. Pumphrey he realises
that she has been overfeeding Tricki and also had been giving
him things that he shouldn’t eat due to which Tricki had
started looking like a bloated sausage. Soon Tricki got unwell
and Mrs. Pumphrey has to call Mr. Herriot (narrator) for help.
She does not want to send him away but the only way
suggested by Mr. Herriot is to get him hospitalised for 15
days. Then the story unfolds into how he gets well. Read the
description to know more.
CHARACTERS
• James Herriot James is a Veterinary surgeon, who proves
to be a capable doctor and a wise individual. He is an
animal lover and a caring guardian.
• Mrs Pumphrey Mrs Pumphrey is a wealthy single
woman. She is very much attached to her dog, Tricki.
She is very loving but weak at heart.
KEY POINTS
• Tricki was a small dog and was excessively loved by his
mistress, Mrs. Pumphery.
• He was greedy & loved food, but no exercise.
• As a result he became fat & Mrs. Pumphery believed that
he became lazy because he suffered from malnutrition.
• Mrs Pumphery was a wealthy woman.She loved her dog
too much.
• She gave him some little extras between meals to build
him up, malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at
night.She gave him lot to eat but no exercise.
• Once he became ill & she was worried & made a frantic
call to Harriot who was a vet.
• James already had given suggestions regarding Tricki’s
balanced diet. But she never followed it.
• He was a vet. He was shocked to see Tricki hugely fat,
like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner.
• He advised her to cut down on the sweet things.
• He expected call came within a few days & it happened.
He was called by Mrs. Pumphery as Tricki refused to eat.
• He told her that Tricki needed immediate hospitalization
for keeping under observation at his surgery for a
fortnight.
• There he gave him no food no medicine but plenty of
water.
 • Gradually he mixed with other dogs & started playing
with them.
He had a lot of exercises & fun at the surgery.
• He was completely recovered & transformed into a hard
muscled dog.
• James Harriot treated the dog without medicine or
surgery.
• She was happy & filled with gratitude. She thanked
Harriot & said it was a triumph of surgery.
QUESTION BANK
Q1- Who is the author of the story "A Triumph of Surgery"?
A) James Herriot
B) Ruskin Bond
C) Robert Arthur
D) Victor Canning
Q2- Who does "I" refer to in the story?
A) Tricki
B) Mrs. Pumphrey
C) Veterinary surgeon
D) none of the above
Q3- What is the name of the veterinary surgeon?
A) Tricki
B) Mrs. Pumphrey
C) Hodgkin
D) Mr. Herriot
Q4- What problem does Mrs Pumphrey think Tricki has?
A) diarrhoea
B) malnutrition
C) allergies
D) all of the above
Q5- Did Mrs Pumphrey cut down on sweets as was advised?
A) yes
B) no
C) only for a while
D) she was not advised anything like that
Q6- Who is Hodgkin?
A) dog owner
B) gardener
C) Veterinary surgeon
D) Dog
Q7- What was the dog unable to play?
A) ring-throw
B) walk
C) hide and seek
D) all of the above
Q8- What did the doctor advise?
A) cut his food
B) give him more exercise
C) keep him on a very strict diet
D) all of the above
Q9- Was the narrator waiting for a call from Mrs Pumphrey?
A) no
B) yes
C) maybe
D) maybe not
Q10- What is the meaning of 'distraught'?
A) bend
B) worried
C) upset
D) both b and c
Q11- How was Tricki acting?
A) refusing to eat his favourite food
B) didn't go for walks
C) vomiting
D) all of the above
Q12- What was best according to the vet?
A) to take him to the hospital
B) to take him for a walk
C) to let him have sugar
D) both b and c
Q13- Why did the other dogs ignore Tricki?
A) he was an uninteresting object
B) he was ill
C) he was furious
D) all of the above
Q14- for how many days he was given no food?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 5
Q15- Who was Joe?
A) nurse
B) pug
C) greyhound
D) cat
Q16- What did the dogs know about food?
A) last ones will be liable to have competition for the leftover
food
B) there was no competition
C) it wasn't good
THE THIEF’S STORY- QUICK REVISION POINTS
• Once a man of almost 25 years of age and the other is a thief of 15 years old. The story starts in
a place somewhere, where a man named Anil is watching a wrestling show.
 • The thief tries to have a conversation with Anil as he feels that it would be easy to start a
conversation with a kind man and rob him.
• The thief introduces himself as Hari Singh, though it was not his real name as he keeps
changing his name in order to hide from the police and the people whom he robbed earlier.
While Anil was leaving, the thief approached him to ask if he would keep Hari Singh in work.
In reply, Anil told him that he would not be able to pay him but can let him stay with him and
provide him with food.
• Anil took Hari to his house and asked him to cook. Hari cooked the meal awfully and Anil
asked him to leave but he insisted on not leaving and so Anil agreed to teach him how to
cook.
• Anil also agreed to teach him how to add numbers and write a full sentence. Hari knew that if
he could write and have a basic education then he could do more than robbing people.
• He stayed happily with Anil. He made him tea every morning and does his grocery shopping.
Meanwhile, he also stole some money from the ones that were given to him for shopping.

• One day Anil came home with a few bundles of notes and told Hari that he had sold one of his
books to a publisher. Hearing this Hari realized that this could be the best time for doing the
robbery.
• Before that incident, he always thought how blindly Anil trusted him and that robbing him
would be unjustified.
• Anil told him that he kept the money under the mattress and while he was asleep Hari quietly
woke up and crawled under Anil’s bed and stole the money.
• He then decided to leave the city by Lucknow Express but after reaching the station he saw the
train moving slowly.
• He could easily catch the train but instead does not. He realizes that learning and writing would
help him get more respect.
• He decides to go back to Anil’s house and safely keep the money in its place. Next morning, he
wakes up with a fear of getting caught but instead Anil gave him fifty rupees from the money
he earned last night. Hari knew that Anil might have caught his misdeed but had no anger or
sadness in his face.
• The Thief Story summary in English ends here, where the narrator smiles as he knew he saved
himself from a wrong path.

FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

The author of the story is Herbert George Wells. This is an
interesting story about a scientist named Griffin and his rare
formula of invisibility. He developed a drug which made his
body invisible, only felt physically. Then, he misuses his
power to steal money, clothes, and food. He found it difficult
to stay in London with such power so decides to move to a
small village Iping. In the village, people were sceptical about
him and look incidences happened in the inn where he stayed.
As his money exhausted he again started stealing it from
people and hit the owners of the inn when they suspected him.
But lastly, he has to reveal his identity to the people.
QUICK POINTS FOR REVISION
This is quite an interesting story about a scientist named
Griffin. He had been finding ways that could make a man
invisible. He got success in his experiment a developed
formula with which he can become invisible, but can be
touched and felt physically. Griffin gulped the drug and
became invisible. He accidentally stepped in mud and was
first seen by two young men who followed his footprints till
it becomes faint. He was walking on road and was feeling
cold, so he enters a shopping centre to feel warm. After the
stores shut down, he chooses to wear some comfortable
garments and eat something.
He initially unpacks a couple of garments and wears them.
At that point from the kitchen of a café, he eats cold meat
and some espresso. Later he decided to sleep on a heap of
quilts in a store. The next morning before he wakes up some
store associates had seen started following him. He removed
all the clothes instantly and became invisible once again.
Now he is wandering without clothes in chilly winters of
London. He then decides to take clothes from a theatre
company as he was sure he will get something there to cover
his face too. He has stolen dull glasses, bogus nose, and a
hat and some bandages for covering his face.
Then, he goes to a shopkeeper’s place and stole all his money.
Soon he realizes London is quite a busy place to live like this,
so he thought of moving to the Iping village. He booked two
rooms in a hotel in the village and reached there. It is quite
unusual for the villagers that an outsider with such a peculiar
appearance has come to stay at a hotel throughout winter.
After some time his money exhausted, and he started stealing
from people. Furthermore, he hit the owner and his wife when
they attempt to check his room in his absence. As they cannot
see anyone the owners thought there were spirits in the inn
and that unusual guest is responsible for it. At that point, the
town constable is requested to inquire in regard to what his
identity is and what he did to her furnishings. This made him
annoy and decides to show his identity as a headless man.
They cannot catch hold of Griffin as he takes off all his
garments and become invisible.
Conclusion of Footprints without Feet
The story tells us the human nature of misusing their own
discoveries.
QUESTION BANK
1) Griffin entered London store because
a) He wanted to purchase the things
b) Outside cold was severe
c) He wanted to rob the money
d) Wanted to take rest
2) Mrs Halls thought that Griffin was ------
a) A scientist
b) A tourist
c) An eccentric
d) A traveller.

3) The clergy man kept-------in his desk.

a) Books
b) Money
c) Gold
d) Silver
4) Griffin was a --------person
a) Friendly
b) Lawless
c) Lawful
d) helpful
5) Mrs.Hall was pushed out of the room and she was-----
a) Hysterics
b) Happy
c) Angry
d) Sad
6) People thought that the trouble was caused by
a) robber
b) burglar
c) witchcraft
d) thief
7) ------was called secretly to the Inn.
a) A doctor
b) A police
c) A clergyman
d) A landlord
8) At the end Mr.Jaffers ---------
a) Ran away
b) Became unconscious
c) Arrested Griffin
d) Let Griffin go
EXERCISE-02
Q1- Who is the author of the story “Footprints without feet”?
A) HG Wells
B) James Herriot
C) John Keats
D) WB Butler
Q2- “THE two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy
imprints of a pair of _____”
A) bare feet
B) shoes
C) tyres
D) none of the above
Q3- He was leaving his imprints in _____
A) Paris
B) London
C) Iping
D) Canada
Q4- What is the meaning of “bewildered”?
A) perplexed
B) confused
C) puzzled
D) all of the above
Q5- Who were the boys following?
A) a scientist
B) a dog
C) a rat
D) none of the above
Q6- What was he working on?
A) making fake footprints
B) making human bodies invisible
C) making a fool of children
D) all of the above
Q7- “Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a
_____ person.”
A) lawless
B) lawful
C) good
D) rude
Q8- What did he do for revenge?
A) burned himself
B) burned the landlord
C) burned the house
D) he didn’t do anything for revenge
Q9- Griffin’s body became as transparent as _____
A) glass
B) ice
C) air
D) none of the above
Q10- What suggests that he was a homeless wanderer?
A) no clothes
B) no money
C) invisible
D) all of the above
Q11- Why was it a bad time to wander in London?
A) it was mid winter
B) he was without clothes
C) both 1 and 2
D) none of the above
Q12- Where did he find comfort in London?
A) at the inn
B) a big store
C) theatre store
D) none of the above
Q13- Where did he go next?
A) at the inn
B) a big store
C) theatre store
D) none of the above
Q14- What did he take from there?
A) food
B) wine
C) bandages
D) all of the above
Q15- How did Griffin finaly escape?
A) by hitting them
B) by taking off all his clothes
C) by running away as fast as he could
D) by hiding
Q16- Where did he go next?
A) Piping
B) Iping
C) Snowland
D) none of the above
Q17- what was an unusual event?
A) a guest at the inn during winters
B) a guest at the inn during summers
C) a guest at the inn during spring
D) nothing was unusual there
Q18- How did he justify his disinterest in having a
conversation with Mrs Hall?
A) desired solitude
B) didn’t want to be disturbed during work
C) both 1 and 2
D) none of the above
Q19- What do you mean by the word “eccentric”?
A) uncommon
B) extra
C) catchy
D) none of the above
Q20- Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
A) he visited during off season
B) his intention was only to work
C) he looked weird
D) all of the above
Q21- Why was Mrs Hall prepared and ready to tolerate
strange habits and irritable temper?
A) he had paid in advance
B) he was a scientist
C) both 1 and 2
D) none of the above
Q22- What does the first encounter tell us about Mrs Hall?
A) She is not friendly
B) She is money-minded
C) she is disinterested in her guests
D) all of the above
Q23- What is being referred to as the “strange incident” that
happened in the study?
A) Griffin stealing money while being invisible
B) Griffin arriving at the inn during off season
C) Griffin pretending to be waiting for a cheque
D) none of the above
Q24- Who called the incident “an extraordinary affair”?
A) clergyman
B) clergyman’s wife
C) Mrs Hall
D) all of the above
Q25- What did she think had happened to her furniture?
A) nothing
B) the scientist had put spirits in them
C) the scientist was playing with them
D) the furniture had gone mad
Q26- What do you mean by the word “hysterics”?
A) an exaggerated reaction
B) a normal reacion
C) no reaction
D) none of the above
Q27- What caused the villagers to suspect the scientist?
A) the robery
B) the furniture incident
C) unexpected availability of cash on him
D) all of the above
Q28- “The scientist was always _____; now he became
furious.”
A) patient
B) quick-tempered
C) calm
D) none of the above
Q29- What was easier said than done?
A) to see him
B) to talk to him
C) to hold him
D) none of the above
Q30- Where was the theatrical company shop situated?
A) Dury lane
B) Drury lane
C) Druy lane
D) Druri Lane
 THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST
The Making of a Scientist’ is a story about the leading
scientist Richard Ebright. He was a curious child right
from the beginning years of his life. He had started
collecting butterflies in his childhood and by the time he
is in second grade, he had already gathered all the 25
species found in his hometown. Also, he collected coins,
fossils, and rocks. One day his mother gave him a book
named ‘The Travel of Monarch X’. This book has been a
turning point in life and introduced him to the world of
science. He experienced the real science in country
science fair and moreover he understood that to win
something he needs to do something extraordinary.
Later, for his eighth grade, he selected the assignment of
finding the cause of viral sickness that killed almost all
the monarch caterpillars every year. He thought that the
cause for this could be a beetle, so, he rose caterpillars
with the presence of beetles. However, he was wrong.
Next year his project for the science fair was testing the
theory that viceroy butterflies copy monarchs. His
project got the first price in zoology division and third in
country science fair. In his second year of high school,
Richard Ebright research led to his discovery of an
unknown insect hormone which led to his new theory on
the lives of cells. He tried to find the purpose of tiny
golden spots on the back of monarch pupa. This project
won first place in a country science fair and a chance to
work in Walter Reed Army Institute of research.
As a high school student, he continued his advanced
experiment and finally was able to identify hormones
chemical structure. One day while looking at the Xray
photos of the hormone he got the idea of his new theory
that tells cells can read the blueprint of its DNA. Ebright
and his roommate constructed the plastic model of a
molecule to illustrate the working of DNA. It was a big
leap forward and got published in a magazine. He
graduated from Harvard with the highest honours. He has
other interest also like public speaking, debate and is also
a canoeist and an outdoor person. Also, he was
competitive but in good sense and always want to do his
best. Moreover, he possesses all the traits of becoming a
good scientist.
Conclusion of the making of a scientist
The story teaches us that with perseverance, dedication
and hard work
any dream is achievable.
 QUESTION BANK
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS:
1. So he did, and he never! Beginning in kindergarten,
bright collected butterflies with the same
determination that has marked all his activities
(a)What else he collected other than butterflies?
(b)Find a word from the 'extract' which means
'resoluteness'
Ans : (a) He collected fossils, coins and rocks other
than butterflies.
(b)'determination' is a word from the extract which
means 'resoluteness'.
2. He would catch a female monarch, take her eggs, and
raise them in his basement through their life cycle...
(a) Why did he raise butterflies?
(b)Find the word which has the same meaning as the
word 'rear' from the extract given above
Ans : (a) he raised butterflies to study their migration
pattern.
(b)'Raise' is the similar meaning word as 'rear' from
the extract.
3."It was really a sad feeling to sit there and not get
anything while everybody else had won something"
(a)who is the speaker of the above lines?
(b) Find the word from the extract which us the opposite
of ‘nobody’
Ans : (a) Richard Ebright is the speaker of the above
lines.
(b)'Everybody' is opposite of nobody from the
extract.
4.if the theory proves correct, it will be a big step
towards understanding the processes of life.
(a) What is the theory about?
(b) Who proposed the theory?
Ans : ( a) the theory is about how cells read their
DNA.
(b)The theory was proposed by Richard Ebright and
his friend James R Won

SHORT ANSWER (SA) TYPE QUESTIONS:

1. What rare achievement did Richard manage at the age of
twenty-two?
Ans: Richard had a rare achievement at the age of twenty-two
of how the cells work. the article was published in the
scientific journal 'Proceeding of the National Academy of
science' it was the first time that this journal had ever
published the work of college students.
2. Richard became a collector at an early age. How?
Ans: Richard was the only child of his parents. He had no
company at home to play with.so; he started collecting things
in spare time. He would collect coins, fossils, rocks and
butterflies as a hobby. In this way, Richard became a collector
at an early age.
3. Why did Richard lose interest in tagging butterflies?( or)
Why did Ebright lose interest in tagging butterflies?
Ans: Richard raised thousands of butterflies, tagged them and
released them to study their migration. But soon, he lost
interest because only two of his tagged butterflies were
recaptured and they had travelled only seventy-two miles.
4. Who was Dr.Frederick A Urquant? Richard Ebright look to
him for fresh ideas?
Ans: Dr.Frederick A Urquhart was a scientist and teacher at
University of Toronto, canada.He was doing research on
butterfly migrations. Ebright sent him many tagged butterflies
for his research work. Richard looked to him for fresh ideas
and suggestions because the suggestions sent by Dr.Urquhart
helped in shaping Ebright's career as a scientist.
5. Which Project did Richard undertake in the eighth grade?
Ans: In eighth grade, Richard undertook the project to find the
cause the viral disease that had killed monarch caterpillars. He
thought that a beetle might carry the virus; he raised
caterpillars in the presence of beetles. He was not able to
prove it but still won a price for it.
6.Why do viceroy butterflies copy the monarch butterflies?
Ans:Birds eat viceroy butterflies, because they taste good to
them, where as monarch butterflies don’t taste good to the
birds. so, the viceroys try to copy the monarchs to protect
themselves from the birds.
7. Richard’s project on the purpose of the twelve tiny gold
spots on a monarch pupa was highly valuable in the following
two ways. List the two ways.
Ans: Richard’s project on the purpose of twelve tiny gold
spots on the monarch pupa was highly valuable on the
following two ways-
1. He discovered a hormone that was necessary for the growth
of the pupa
2. Secondly, he got a chance to work at a famous laboratory as
he won the first prize in the country fair and entry into the
international science and engineering fair
THE NECKLACE
KEY POINTS:
• Matilda, an ordinary woman, unhappy with her monotonous
 simple life, dreams of grandeur all the time.
• M. Loisel, Matilda’s husband, is satisfied with what he has.
He is also happy being a clerk.
• Loisels get invited to a ball at the Minister of Public
Instruction’s place.
• Loisel thinks that his wife would be happy to know about the
invitation to the ball.
• Matilda is displeased and refused to go as she does not have
a dress to wear to the ball.
• Her husband offers to buy her a dress for four hundred
francs.
• Matilda buy a good dress but is still unhappy as she has no
jewell to complement the beautiful dress.
• Her husband suggests to borrow jewels from her friend,
Mme Forestier.
• Mme Forestier lends Matilda a diamond necklace.
• Matilda becomes a celebrity at the ball party as everyone
admires her beauty.
• Unfortunately, the couple discovers the necklace is lost as
they reach home.
• M Loisel contacts the police, cab offices, advertises to award
the finder of the necklace but to no avail. They decide to buy
a new necklace to replace it.
• M Loisel collects 18000 francs and they borrow eighteen
thousand more to pay for the necklace.
• The couple spend ten years to pay back the debt, working
day and night and suffering from dire poverty.
• Ten years of poverty and misery render them old and weary.
• M Loisel meets Mme Forestier one day and narrates the
story of the necklace.
• Mme Forestier informs her the necklace was worth just five
hundred Francs.
LONG ANSWER TYPE- QUESTION BANK
Q1. What kind of person is Matilda Loisel? Support your
answer giving examples from the story “The Necklace”.
Mme Loisel belongs to a family of clerks. Her existence is
quite average. They live on meagre income, enough for basic
needs but not to fulfil aspirations. She gets married to a clerk
and is so caught up with her dreams of wealth and pleasure
that she is out of touch with the truths of her real life. In order
to keep up appearances just to flatter her pride, she blows up
four hundred francs on a gorgeous dress. And, not contented,
she goes on borrowing a necklace from her friend. And, all of
this is just to impress the wealthy and the rich with her beauty
and glamour (even if on loan). No doubt, her pride is flattered
and her wish of fine dining, expensive dresses and jewels
satisfied but at a great price. Unfortunately, the necklace has
lost and the couple has to cough up their entire inheritance and
borrow as well to replace it. Repayment of the debt eats away
the next ten years of their youth. They live poor. All the house
hold chores and cares of a life of poverty visit them. Hence,
her disposition invites her doom.
Q2. Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend. Elucidate.
Mme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character. She
plays a very vital role in the story. As a friend to Matilda, we
find her to be really genuine as she helps Matilda in the hour
of her need. When Mme Loisel needs to borrow jewels, she
turns to Mme Forestier. Mme Forestier does not refuse.
Displaying her generosity, she opens up the entire array of her
jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, she is considerate
when Loisels delay the return of the necklace. Surprisingly, at
the end of the story, she concludes the entire narrative.
Without even a moment’s hesitation, she reveals to Matilda
that her necklace was just a fake. She is not at all worried in
the light of the fact that she may have to return the necklace. It
shows her honesty. Rather, she, like a true friend, feels bad for
Matilda at her unnecessary suffering. We find her
sympathising with Mme Loisel. She is indeed a gem of a
friend.

Q3.Do you think the story is aptly titled? Justify your answer.

The whole narrative of the story ‘The Necklace’ revolves

around a young woman Matilda, who in her foolish pride
borrows a necklace inviting misery and sorrow for herself as
well as for her husband. The ‘necklace’ has lost and the
Loisels fall into a tremendous debt. They spend the next ten
years of their life in paying debt for the replacement of the lost
necklace. Their entire life moves around impoverished
everyday saga of misery and hunger and the necklace, in fact,
changes the very course of their life. Also, it is against the
back drop of the necklace that Matilda’s pride and dishonesty
are highlighted. At the same time, the necklace serves a twist
at the end as it turns out to be a fake one. The story is, hence,
most aptly titled as the necklace is, in fact, the leading
character of this ironic tale of desire, the doom and the
tragedy.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Suppose you are Mme Forestier, what will you do after
hearing the story of Matilda?
Try yourself (20-30words)
2. Do you believe that Beauty is everything, and money will
help you all the time?
Ans:- I don’t think that Beauty is everything and as far as I
concerned there are times in our life money can’t do anything.
3. Do you agree honesty is best policy? Try yourself (20-
30words)
4. Suppose you are in place of M.Loisel, what will be your
reaction to the loss of the necklace?
Try yourself (20-30words)
BHOLI

‘Bholi’ is the story of Sulekha, the seventh child of

Numberdar Ramlal. She was called Bholi ( a simpleton) by all
as she was a bit mentally backward as a result of the fall she
had when she was ten months’ old and physically deformed as
her whole body, except her eyes were covered by black pock
marks .
Bholi did not speak till she was five years old and when she
began to speak, she stammered. No one at home took care of
her, loved her or talked to her lovingly. Her siblings
mimicked her and laughed at her when she stammered. So
she stopped talking. No one, not even her parents bothered
about her. They were busy in sending their sons to schools
and colleges in the city and getting their other daughters
married.
Bholi’s fate changed when a new school for girls started in
the village. The Tehsildar, who came to inaugurate the school
asked Mr. Ramlal to send his daughters to school. Ramlal
consulted his wife and she thoroughly refused as she feared
that no one would marry a girl who had been to school.
Ramlal found himself in a tight spot as he could not be
disobedient to the tehsildar and at the same time he knew that
his wife was correct. Finally, his wife suggested that they
would send Bholi to school as there was no chance of her
getting married with her lack of sense and ugly face.
When Bholi’s father told her that he was taking her to go to
school, Bholi refused to go with him as she remembered their
cow Lakshmi which was sold and never returned home. She
feared that she too was going to be sent out of home.
When she was bathed, oil was applied to her matted hair and
was given a better dress ( not new but a shrunk dress of her
sister Champa) to wear, she began to feel that school was a
better place than her home.
At school, she found many girls of her age and a hope that
she might get a friend there crept into her heart. She was
asked to sit in a classroom where a lady teacher was there.
She sat in the class but could not understand what was taught
and hence began to look at the walls where there were many
pictures. When she was asked what her name was, she
stammered. She felt sad and tears rolled down her cheeks.
She sat with her head bowed in a corner where she sat even
after the bell was given and all other children left.
She looked up when the teacher called her in a soft voice and
encouraged her to say her name. Bholi tried hard as she did
not want to disappoint the teacher with such a loving, kind
and soft voice for no one had spoken to her so tenderly
earlier. She felt jubilant when, finally she said her name. The
teacher gave her a book, asked her to come to school daily
and promised to make her a respectable person if
she went to school daily. Time passed and many changes
happened in the village. A marriage proposal came for Bholi.
Her father was a bit hesitant in accepting the proposal as the
groom, Bhishamber Nath was a widower with grown up
children. But his wife insisted on agreeing as the groom was
a rich grocer with a lot of money, a shop and a big house. The
main attraction for her was that he was not asking for dowry.
Further, In her opinion, he had come with the proposal as he
did not know about her lack of sense and pock marks. She
discouraged Ramlal from asking Bholi’s opinion saying that
she was a witless, dumb cow. Bholi was listening to her
parents’ whispered conversation.
On the day of the marriage, Bhishamber Nath came with all
pomp and show. Bholi’s sisters were jealous of her and her
father was very happy as he never expected such a grand
wedding for his fourth daughter.
When the veil was pulled down from Bholi’s face,
Bhishamber nath noticed the pock marks and declared that he
would marry her only if her father gave him five thousand
rupees. Bholi watched how her father put his turban, his
honour, at Bhishamber’s feet, pleaded to reduce the amount
to two thousand rupees
and finally put five thousand rupees at the groom’s feet to get
his daughter married and to keep up the honour of his family.
She threw the garland into the fire and declared that she
would not marry such a mean, greedy, old, lame and
contemptable fellow. No words of appeal of her father and
mockery of the guests could change her decision.
When all left, Ramlal in great pain asked her what he would
do with her and she replied that she would work in the same
school where she learned and look after her parents in their
old age.
The lesson throws light into the need for educating and
empowering women and questioning the social evils like
 dowry and gender discrimination.
Bholi, for ever shall remain in our memory as a flame that
would have been put out but for the timely interference of the
teacher.
QUESTION BANK- BHOLI- LONG ANSWER TYPE
Q1. Dowry is negation of the girl’s dignity’. Discuss with
reference to the story ‘Bholi’.
A girl is an individual in her own right. Equal opportunities in
life can help her become independent and strong. She is not a
burdensome object to be given away with money as
compensation. Thus dowry negates the girl’s dignity and self
respect. The story ‘Bholi’ shows this in a dramatic manner.
Bholi is thought to be ugly and dumb by her parents. So, they
are willing to pay dowry to an old man with a limp. So that
he marries her. Bholi, on the other hand, refuses to marry that
man. She is educated; assertive and capable of taking care of
herself. She dedicates her life to service of her parents and
teaching at school.
Q2.Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than
surrendering herself to a greedy old man for the rest of her
life. Education provides the required stimulus to overcome
one’s personal barriers. Explain the role of education in
shaping the life of a child with respect to the lesson ‘Bholi’.
[CBSE 2012]
Education is the answer to all social ills. Illiteracy and
ignorance bring nothing but poverty, suffering and misery.
Bholi lacks confidence initially because of her disabilities. She
is silent, timid and weak in mind. Her ugliness and her
stammer do not let her progress. She is afraid to speak as
others make fun of her. School changes her life completely. It
opens a new world of hope for her. Her teacher treats her with
love and kindness. Her affection and support help Bholi to
have faith in herself. She studies and grows into a confident
young woman. She knows her rights and she asserts them as
well. She refuses to marry a man who demands dowry. Thus,
being educated changes the life of Bholi.
Q3. The chapter ‘Bholi’ highlights the discrimination against
the girl child. Analyse.
Nature does not discriminate, but society does. From time
immemorial the world has discriminated against the girl
child. The chapter, ‘Bholi’ throws up many such instances.
Randal’s sons go to school and college. His daughters are not
educated but married off. Her mother does not think it
necessary to take Bholi’s consent for her marriage. The
groom is old and lame. Still he demands dowry. Her father is
ready to pay him also. It is the girl herself who raises her
voice against this marriage. She is criticised and humiliated
for standing up for her dignity. But she is firm and decides
the course of her life.

Question 4.
Bholi is a child different from others. This difference makes
her an object of neglect and laughter. Elaborate.
Society does not tolerate difference very easily. Bholi is not
like others. She is slow for her age. She stammers when she
speaks. Small pox leaves her all covered with pock-marks. As
a result, she has to suffer a lot. Her parents do not even bathe
her. She is ignored and neglected. They take her only as a
burden. People laugh at her. Children imitate her when she
speaks. So, she remains silent most of the time. She has no
confidence or self-esteem.
The Book That saved the earth
The book that saved the earth is a story that revolves around a
book of nursery rhyme titled ‘the Mother Goose’ that has been
picturised as the book that saved the earth from an alien
attack. The story begins with a historian that describes to the
audience that how one day in the twentieth century Martians
planned to attack the earth. A crew of their lands in a library
on earth; they try to find out the meaning of the content of the
books which they mistook as a sandwich. There they come
across a rhyme on Humpty dumpty which resembles their
master Think tank. They all get terrified with the idea of their
master’s losing control over Mars because of humans and
cancel their plan of invading earth.
SUMMARY
The story begins with a stage show of twenty fifth century in
which a historian is sitting in the museum and she explains the
truth about the Martian invasion that happened in twentieth
century. To prove her statement she asks the audience to look
into the historiscope, a device that can show things happened
in the history. In the next scene two characters are shown one
of them which has a balloon brain is shown as the master. His
name is Think Tank and another one is his assistant Noodle.
Both of them are discussing about their plan to invade earth.
They think that earth is a ridiculous plan and they should
invade earth so as to establish their kind rule over the planet.
So, the master think tank sends one of his crew to inspect
earth. The crew lands into a library and look confuse as they
know nothing about the items (books) of the library. So, they
consult it with their master Think Tank that they think is very
intelligent. He asks them to show the item and tells them that
they are sandwiches which is a staple diet of the earthlings.
He commands his crew to eat it, which they then consider as a
tasteless eatable. His assistant Noodle corrects him and tells
him that they are the communication devices. He on hearing
this, asks his crew to listen to the information from the
devices. They try to hear it but they get nothing to hear from
them. Once again Noodle corrects his master Think Tank that
they are to be read and not hear. So with the help of the
vitamins provided by the chemical department of Mars, the
crew tries to read the book. It was a book of rhymes.

**************************************************
********************************