KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA KONSIWAS REWARI
CLASS – X
MINIMUM LEVEL OF LEARNING (MLL) CONTENT
BOOK: FIRST FLIGHT
Chapter 1. A LETTER TO GOD
Q1. Why was Lencho angry when he counted the money?
Ans. Lencho became angry when he counted the money that God had sent him. He believed that the
post office employees have stolen the rest of the amount because God could never make a mistake.
Also, God would never deny Lencho what he had requested.
Q2. Why was the family really not upset?
Ans. Though Lencho’s family was facing ruin, yet they were not really upset. It was because
having immense faith in God, they were confident that God would help them.
Q3. What did the postmaster find when he opened the letter?
Ans. When the postmaster read the letter he found that very funny but also he got serious about the
matter later. He thought to help him. So he discussed that matter with other employees in the post
office and asked them to donate a little bit of money from their salary. Everyone agreed to the
postmaster and donated some money from their salary. He put the money in an envelope addressed
to Lencho.
Q4. What did Lencho write in his first letter to God? How did he place it in the mail?
Ans. In the first letter, Lencho wrote, “God, if you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry
this year. I need a hundred pesos in order to sow my field again and to live until the crop comes,
because the hailstorm….” He wrote ‘To God’ on the envelope, put the letter inside and went to
town.
Q5. There are two kinds of conflicts in the story: between humans and nature; and between
humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?
Ans. The story "A Letter to God" depicts two types of conflicts; one between man and nature and
the other among men themselves. In the beginning of the story, the farmer hopes for a rain shower
for the benefit of his corn field. On actually receiving rain, he becomes overjoyed and starts
thinking about all the profit that would come in. Not much later, his joy is turned into sorrow when
the wind becomes strong leading to a hailstorm. This depicts the disagreement between man and
nature wherein humans want the nature to act according to their aspirations. The second divergence
arises when Lencho starts doubting the honesty of the post-office employees who actually helped
him with the money anonymously. This is the conflict among men themselves, wherein, we are
ready to trust in the idea of God's existence but we are not ready to trust each other.
Chapter 2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Q1. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in
ceremony?
Ans. Mandela emphasized to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender
and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.
Q2. What happened after Anglo-Boer war?
Ans. After Anglo-Boer war, the white people of South Africa erected a system of racial
discrimination against the black people of their own land.
Q3. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood?
Ans. During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to
be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board
backs of slow moving bulls.
Q4. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters?
Ans. Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their
colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National
Congress and fought for the freedom.
Q5. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the
growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk
to Freedom’.
Ans. Everybody whether human or other creatures want to live free as freedom is natural to all
living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he
gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values
freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who
remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have
the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very
pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of
civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere
of freedom.
Chapter 3. TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING
Q1. Why did the young seagull not go with the rest of his family?
Ans. The young seagull did not go with the rest of his family because his confidence was very poor
and he was afraid to fly. The young seagull also felt that his wings would never support him.
Q2. How did seagull’s parents try to make him fly?
Ans. Seagull’s parents tried many activities to make him fly. They screamed, scolded and
threatened to let him starve on the ledge unless he flew away. Thus, his parent’s efforts gave him
success.
Q3. How did the writer get out of the storm in the night to land safely?
Ans. The writer was flying his old Dakota aeroplane when he saw the black clouds. He was lost in
the storm. Suddenly, he saw a black aeroplane by his side, which had no lights, on its wings. The
pilot instructed the writer to follow as he had lost the way. He obeyed him like a child. He was very
happy to follow him. After some time, the pilot of another plane started to land. The writer followed
him blindly through the storm and came out of the clouds. He saw the lights of the runway and
landed safely.
Q4. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What this statement suggests? What made the
young seagull to finally fly?
Ans- The young seagull was very hungry and it was this hunger that ultimately made it fly. Not
being able to control its hunger, it dived at the food which was in its mother’s beak and his hunger
overpowered his fear of the sea. The natural reaction of its body was only to fly.
Q5. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why do you think the seagull’s father and
mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Ans- The young seagull was afraid to fly and take its first flight. Even after seeing its brothers and
sisters flying, and its parents helping them, it could not gather the courage to fly. This was the
reason its father and mother were calling to it shrilly and scolding it.
Q6. Why was the writer happy when he decided to fly in the night?
Ans. The writer was very happy when he decided to fly that night because he was going home to
his family to enjoy his holiday. When he started, everything seemed to be perfect. The sky was
clear, no clouds could be seen and the stars were shining. It all made it an easy task for the writer to
fly that night over the sleeping countryside of Paris. His assumption of everything being in first
place made him happy.
Q7. Fear and lack of confidence stop one from learning new things. Do you agree? How did
these two traits of the young seagull make him coward? How did he overcome these short
comings?
Ans. Yes, it is true that fear and lack of confidence stop one from learning new things as in the
story, the young seagull lacked the value of courage and confidence in his character. He was too
scared of flying. His family tried hard to make him fly but he refused to do so because of his fear of
sinking in the seawater. They even scolded and threatened him for his cowardice. They tried to
tempt him with food but he was not willing to learn flying. Once he dived, his fear disappeared and
he enjoyed his first flight. It is a fact that unless we try for something and overcome our fear, we
can’t learn anything. Confidence and motivation are two most important traits that make any
learning possible. These two traits are shown and presented nicely in this story through a real story.
Chapter 4. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Q1. How did Anne Frank regard her diary and what name did she give to it?
Ans. Anne regarded her diary as her long awaited friend in her imagination. She didn’t want to jot
down facts in this diary, but she wanted the diary to be her friend and she named her diary ‘Kitty’.
Q2. Why does Anne want to keep a diary? Why does she feel she can trust a diary more than
the people?
Ans. She wanted to keep a diary because she felt that people change and can’t be trusted but paper
doesn’t change. Moreover, it patiently documents one’s experiences. And she would keep it
confidential.
Q3. The classmates of Anne Frank were shaking with fear and nervousness. Why?
Ans. The classmates of Anne Frank were shaking with fear and nervousness because it was time to
move to the next class. The students did not know how to be kept back and who would be
promoted.
Q4. What does Anne write in her first essay?
Ans. Anne wrote that talking is a student’s trait. She would not keep talking under control because
her mother talked a lot. She had inherited that trait from her mother. And she would do her best to
keep it under control.
Q5. ‘Paper has more patience than people’. Elucidate.
Ans. According to Anne Frank, people are not always interested in listening to what you are telling
them. They get bored and lose patience, but it is not so with paper. You can go on writing whatever
you like, and as long as you like.
Q6. Why Anne needed to give a brief sketch about her family? Does she treat ‘Kitty’ as an
insider or an outsider?
Ans- Anne provided a brief sketch of her life otherwise no one had understood her story. She
treated Kitty as an insider as it was her best friend.
Q7. Anne says teachers are most unpredictable. Is Mr. Keesing unpredictable? How?
Ans- Anne felt that the teachers were the most unpredictable. Mr. Keesing can be considered
unpredictable because he seemed to be annoyed with the constant talking habit of Anne but gave
her only an essay to write as punishment.
Chapter 5. The Hundred Dresses – I
Q1. Where did Wanda live?
Ans. Wanda lived in Boggins Heights.
Q2. What kind of a place do you think it is?
Ans. It was that part of the city or town where poor people lived. The place was filled with mud
which is where Wanda got the dirt on her shoes from.
Q3. How is Wanda seen as different by the other girls? How do they treat her?
Ans. Other girls saw Wanda as poor and vulnerable. She had a strange name, did not make friends
and remained quiet. She sat in the corner with the rough and noisy boys. She came to school alone
and also went home alone. Wanda always wore the same dress and came from a place full of mud
on the roads. The other girls treated her badly and belittled her. They made fun of Wanda.
Q4. Why didn’t Maddie ask Peggie to stop teasing Wanda? What was she afraid of?
Ans. Maddie did not ask Peggy to stop teasing Wanda because as she too was poor, she feared that
she could be the next target for the girls. As Maddie wore hands down clothes given by Peggy, she
was afraid that if they did not tease Wanda, then probably, they would start teasing her.
Q5. What does Miss Mason think of Wanda’s drawings? What do the children think of them?
How do you know?
Ans. Miss Mason thought of Wanda’s drawings to be wonderful. She even said that judges liked it
so much and thought any one of them to be worthy of winning. The children too, were awestruck at
the sight of such beautiful paintings. It is evident from the fact that the boys, who had no interest in
dresses, were whistling and Peggy who thought of herself to be the best artist, accepted that
Wanda’s drawings were amazing.
Chapter 6. The Hundred Dresses - II
Q1. Why does Wanda's house remind Maddie of Wanda's blue dress?
Ans. Wanda’s house looks shabby but clean. It reminded Maddie of Wanda's blue dress because it
was also very shabby and faded, but clean.
Q2. Why did Meddie and Peggy go to Wanda Petronski's home?
Ans. Maddie and Peggy wanted to go to Wanda Petronski home at Boggins Heights to apologies to
her for teasing her. They wanted to tell her that she had won the drawing competition and that she
was smart and a hundred drawings of dresses were beautiful.
Q3. What important decision did Maddie make?
Ans. The important decision that Maddie made was that she would never stand by and say nothing
again. If she ever heard anybody picking on someone because they were funny -looking or because
they had strange names, she would speak up. She did not even mind losing Peggy's friendship over
it. She knew she could not make things right with Wanda. However, she decided that in the future,
she would never make anybody else unhappy again.
Q4. Why did Jan Petronski write a letter to the teacher? Give two reasons.
Ans. Jan Petronski wrote a letter to Miss Mason, Wanda's teacher, to inform her that Wanda and
Jack would not come to school anymore as they had shifted to a big city. He also made an indirect
complaint. He wrote that no one would make fun of Wanda's name and call her 'Pollack' because
there would be many funny names and foreigners like her in a big city.
Q5. 'Though Peggy and Maddie made fun of Wanda, she gifted them her special drawings.'In
the light of this statement,write a character sketch of Wanda Petronski.
Ans. Wanda Petronski was a Polish girl at an American school. Her name sounded unfamiliar to
other students who made fun of her name. They also teased her by asking her about her hundred
dresses which she claimed she had but wore the same faded blue dress every day. She never felt
embarrassed or cried. She was cool-headed and tolerant. When others thought she was lying about
having a hundred dresses, she knew that she was truthful as she did have a hundred dresses but only
the drawings and not the real ones. And she proved that she was right when she submitted them for
the contest. Wanda had gifted two of her special drawings- a green dress with red ash to Peggy and
a blue dress with colourful trimming to Maddie with their faces on the respective drawings. This
showed that she liked them in spite of their teasing her. Gifting those drawings to them was also her
way making them realise their mistake. She was a big- hearted, understanding, forgiving, talented
and intelligent girl.
Chapter 7. GLIMPSES OF INDIA
(Part I – A BAKER FROM GOA)
Q1. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a
baker. Explain.
Ans: Bread-making is a prosperous business in Goa. The physique of the baker, i.e., his plump and
round body is testimony to that. Therefore, anyone who was fat and plump just like a jackfruit was
easily compared to a baker.
Q2. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Ans: Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life even today. This we can definitely say because
bread is not only a part of their daily life but also of important occasions like Christmas, festivals,
weddings and engagements. These occasions are incomplete without a special preparation for each
event, made from bread.
Q3. Baking was considered essential in a traditional Goan village. What reasons does the
writer give to support his point?
Ans: No festival in Goa is complete without bakery products—be it marriages, engagements or any
other ceremony. Traditional sweet bread, known as ‘bol’ is to be given with marriage gifts. At
Christmas ‘bolinhas’ and cakes are a must.
Q4. How did the children get along with the baker?
Or
Why would the children run to meet the baker as soon as he arrived?
Ans: The children were attracted to the sweet fragrance of the bread loaves. They liked to eat the
bread-bangles or the special sweet breads meant for them. Moreover, they treated the baker as their
friend, companion and guide. So they would run to meet him.
Q5. How was baking a profitable profession?
Ans: Baking was really a profitable profession as the bread was important part of the food of the
Goan people. The bakers earned well and kept servants. They were plump. Their families looked
happy and prosperous. They never starved.
Q6. Describe the childhood memories of the author’s time in Goa and his fondness for breads
and cakes?
OR
The author shares a lot of information about the bakers in his home town when he was young.
He appears to be a very observant child. Should children have such keen observation powers?
Value Points:
• Leading role of baker in society.
• Use of different breads and cakes in function and festivals.
• Baker greeted by children, not washing mouth, eating bread bangles.
• Musical entry.
• Prosperous family of baker.
• Dress of baker/pader.
Q7. Should we learn from the history that has passed on to us from generations? Give reasons
with reference to the lesson ‘Baker from Goan’.
Value points:
• History is the mirror to relive the past
• Provides a path – ancestors laid for us
• Reflects the strength and valour our people had
• Makes us better human beings
• Traditional goan village – reflection of portugese
• Acquired knowledge of baking from traditions in family
• Leavened , oven baked bread – a gift of the portugese ‘Culture’ of a place is developed as an
outcome of the traditions followed by the people, the conventions they adhere to, the religion they
follow, their ethic and morals and the philosophy of life that guides them. The author is nostalgic
about his childhood days and has strong cultural ties with Goa.
PART II - COORG
Q1. Describe Coorg in about 40-50 words.
Ans: Coorg is a place blessed by nature. It is surrounded by beautiful hills of Brahmagiri. It is
covered with the evergreen rainforests and receives heavy rainfall. Many animals and birds live in
these forests. It is famous for its coffee.
Q2. Write two characteristics of the people of Coorg.
Ans: The people of Coorg are fiercely independent and brave. Coorgi houses have a tradition of
hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is the most decorated in the Indian army. They feel proud in
sharing the courageous tales of their sons and fathers.
Q3. What is the story or theory about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Ans: The two theories regarding the descent of Kodavu people are: • Kodavus are of Greek origin.
A part of Alexander’s army settled here and married among the locals. Their descendants are called
Kodavu. • Kodavus are of Arab origin. They wear the same traditional dress Kuppia i.e., a long,
black coat with an embroidered waist-belt, as the Kuffia of the Arabs and the Kurds.
Q4. What does the author refer to as ‘bonus’? Why?
Ans: One climbs the Brahmagiri hills to get a panoramic view of the entire landscape of Coorg. But
when he walks a little more, he is pleased to find the Nisargadhama. Above all, the largest Tibetan
settlement at Bylakuppe is a surprising bonus. The author calls it a bonus as it is the least expected
here.
Q5. Why are the visitors attracted to coorg?
Ans: The nature in its purest form, the evergreen forests, the hills and river Kaveri, the various
adventure sports, the bio-diversity and India’s largest Tibetan settlement are among some of the
attractions of Coorg.
Q6. ‘Coorg’ seems to share a lot of historical perspectives. Is knowing such kind of historical
knowledge important for us?
Value points:
• Corgi – descendents of either Greeks or Arabs
• A legend says, Alexander’s army moved to south and settled here
• Arab origin as they dress like them
• First general of Indian Army was a coorg
• Knowing culture is important
• Become aware the culture has always welcomed people from other cultures
• Message of being tolerant when world is torn with war.
Q7. Describe the physical and geographical features of coorg.
Value Points:
• Piece of heaven drifted from the kingdom of god
• Land of rolling hills
• Inhabited by the proud men of martial race, beautiful women, coffe and wild elephants
• Coorg, smallest district of Karnataka
• Home to evergreen forest, spices and coffee plantation
• Lies between Mysore and coastal town of Mangalore
• Rainforest, cover more than 30% of this district
• Ideal season for tourists – September to march
• River Kaveri obtains its water from hills and rainforests of coorg
• Brahmagiri hills provide a panoramic view of the entire landscape
PART III- TEA FROM ASSAM
Q1.-What excited Rajvir?Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Ans.-The sight of the vast sea of lush green tea bushes coupled with tall sturdy trees excited Rajvir.
Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement as he was born in Assam where the same sight is comman
for him.
Q2.-How does Rajvir describe the tea garden at Dhekiabari?
Ans.-The tea garden at Dhekiabari filled Rajvir’s heart with happiness and delight because its
beautiful sight.On both sides of the road were acre of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same
height.
Q3.-How are the pluckers different from the other farm labourers?
Ans.-The tea-pluckers are busy during the sprouting period from May to July, whereas the farm-
laborers are busy throughout the year. Again, the tea – pluckers wear plastic aprons, with bamboo
baskets on their backs.
Q4.- Describe the magnificent views of the tea estate with reference to the lesson, ‘Tea from
Assam’.
Ans.-The tea bushes were spread like a sea against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. Amidst
the orderly rows of tea, bushes were doll-like figures plucking tea leaves.
Q5.-What happened to the Chinese emperor in “Tea from Assam” who always boiled water
before drinking it?
Ans.- A Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking boiled water. One day a twig fell into the pot in
which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the water. It is said that those were tea
leaves.
Q6.- ‘ Rajvir had done work hard regarding tea and its history’ It seems after going through
this chapter. Do you support Pranjol’s father’s statement that he gave about Rajvir’s
knowledge in this regard?
Value points:
• had never visited a tea estate ever before in his life
• visits to Dhekiabari Tea Estate was at the invitation of his classmate Pranjol
• showed his knowledge by narrating every aspect of tea, its origin and history
• narrated many legends about tea
• impressed and surprised Pranjol’s father about his deep knowledge of tealeaves.
Q7.-What are the various legends about the origin of tea?
Value points:-
• No one really knows who discovered tea.
• There are two legends about the origin of tea
• Two ancient stories are famous regarding discovery of tea.
• Some people say that it’s discovered by Chinese. Some say it is discovered due to Bodhidharma.
Chapter 8-Madam Rides the Bus
Q1.What was the favourite pastime of Valli?
Ans. Valliammi or Valli was eight years old. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front
doorway of her house. From there, she watched what was happening in the street outside. For her,
standing at the front door was an enjoyable as any of the games other children played.
Q2. What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli's head?
Ans. The sight of the bus was the most fascinating thing for Valli. Day after Day she watched the
bus. A tiny wish crept into her head. She wanted to ride on that bus, at least, once. This wish
became so strong that it grew into an overwhelming desire.
Q3. How did Valli board the bus? Why did she say, 'I can get on by myself.'?
Ans. When Valli sighted the bus she shouted 'stop the bus’! She raised her tiny hand
commandingly. The bus slowed down and finally stopped. She told the conductor that she wanted
to go to the town and she tried to handover the money. The conductor seeing that she was just a
child, stretched out his hand to help her up. Valli replied that she could get on by herself and didn't
need any help.
Q4.Did Valli 'S bus ride remains a secret for her mother and aunt?
Ans. When Valli entered her house, she found her mother awake and talking to one of her aunts.
Her aunt was a real chatterbox. She asked where she had been so far. Valli's mother spoke casually.
She did not expect a reply. Both these ladies could know nothing about Valli's pleasure ride on the
bus.
Q5. Give a character sketch of Valli in your own words.
Ans. Valli emerges as a very clever, sensitive, self-respecting and fun loving girl. She was just eight
years old. She was very curious about things. She was a good observer of things. Her favourite
pastime was standing in the front door way of her house. She used to watch from there what was
happening in the street outside. There was no playmate of her own-age in the neighbourhood.
Standing at the door was as enjoyable for her as any of the games children played. Valli was
mature, clever and practical beyond her years. Saving sixty paise was not an easy job for a girl of
her age. She thriftly saved every coin that came in her way. She was determined to resist any
temptation that came in her way. She sacrificed buying peppermint; toys, ballons and having a joy
ride on a Merry go around saving her money. Valli was full of excitement and enthusiasm. She
enjoyed the landscape looking outside the window. The sight of a young cow running towards the
bus at full speed, enthused her. Valli enjoyed the fun of the frightened animal coming in front of the
bus and laughed till tears came to her eyes. Valli was very sensitive girl. She was shocked to see the
same cow lying on the road side smeared with blood. Her horrible and frightening looks dampened
her enthusiasm. Valli did not like being called a 'madam 'or a' child '.She dared the conductor to
mind his own business. She was a self-respecting girl. She did not accept a free cold drink offered
by the bus conductor. She was a great planner and planned things after knowing all necessary
details about them.
Chapter 9-The Sermon at Benares
Q1. Describe the thought of Gautam Buddha while he encountered with the different stages.
Ans- Gautam Buddha became upset and worried while encountering the different stages of life as a
sickman, an aged man, a funeral and a monk begging for alms. He understood the sufferings of the
world and decided to leave the worldly delights.
Q2 . Why do the wise not grieve?
Ans. The wise men do not grieve because they accept the truth that death is common to all.
Q3. Mention the incident which prompted Prince Siddhartha to become a beggar?
Ans-Once Prince Siddhartha had gone for hunting where he came across a sick man, an aged man,
a monk asking for alms and also witnessed a funeral procession. Unable to understand those
sufferings, he became a beggar and went in search of spiritual knowledge.
Q4. How did Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life?
Ans- Kisa Gotami was searching everywhere for someone who could revive her dead child. But
nobody can do such a miracle. Finally, a person sends her to Buddha because he was sure that
Buddha would help the poor woman to come to terms with her lost and grief. Buddha told Kisa
Gotami to bring mustard seeds from a house where no one has ever died. Kisa Gotami goes in
search of such a house but couldn't find it. The poor lady realised the important lesson which
Buddha wanted to teach her. Death comes to every family. Human life is filled with suffering and
each person must overcome them. Real wisdom is to accept the inevitable and continue the journey
of life.
The story of Kisa Gotami speaks of mortal human beings who must face suffering and death. It is a
lesson on the necessity of overcoming personal tragedies and moving on in life.
Q5.Describe the main teachings of the Buddha as highlighted in 'The Sermon at Benares.
Ans. Before the age of twenty -five, Siddharth Gautam was carefully shielded from the sufferings
of the world. When he saw a sick man, an aged man and a funeral procession for the first time, he
was moved and shocked at the sights. He gave up his royal luxuries and went out in search of the
permanent solution of all those sufferings and sorrows. After a long meditation, he got the
enlightenment. At that time, he became known as the Buddha or the Awakened one. He gave his
first sermon at Benares. Through Kisa Gotami, the Buddha wanted to tell the world that death is the
ultimate truth. All mortals are destined to die sooner or later. There is no family in the world where
no one has lost a child, husband, parent or friend. Lamenting for a son or a parent is like showing
selfishness in grief. No lamentation or grieving can bring a dead man back to life. This world is
afflicted with death and decay. He who has overcome all sorrow will become free from sorrow. He
will be the blessed one.
Chapter 10. The Proposal
Q1. (a) Why did Lomov visit Chubukov’s house?
i.
To propose to Natalya
ii.
iii.
iv.
To borrow money from Chubukov
To argue with Natalya
To argue with Chubukov
(b). The play, ‘The Proposal’ is about ................................
(i) The tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families.
(ii) The tendency of wealthy men to find a match based on love and mutual understanding.
(iii) The tendency of parents to hook rich men as prospective grooms for their daughters.
(iv) None of the above.
Q2. What was the topic of dispute between Lomov and Natalya the second time?
Ans: The topic of dispute second time between Lomov and Natalya was Dogs namely Guess and
Squeezer. Natalya contended that her dog Squeezer was a better dog than Lomov’s dog. Lomov
argued that it was vice-versa.
Q3: How did Natalya react when she came to know that Lomov had come to propose her?
What does her reaction reveal about her character?
Ans. When she comes to know that Lomov has come to propose her, she falls into a chair and starts
wailing. She starts saying, “Bring him back, bring him back, I’m dying, fetch him”. She also
accuses her father that he drove Lomov out. She becomes hysterical. Natalaya’s reaction shows that
she is impulsive. She is a 25 year old woman but does not act with maturity. She argues endlessly
with Lomov and annoys him but as soon as she comes to know that he had come with the intent of
proposing to her, she changes her stand completely and becomes impatient about calling Lomov
back.
Q4. How can we have a cordial relationship with our friends, neighbours and relatives?
Answer giving reference of the play.
Ans. In this play we see two main characters Natalya and Lomov who start quarrelling over small
issues. Initially, the argument is about the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Then it shifts to their dogs.
The argument slowly develops into fights and they lose their temper. This shows that how fights,
anger and using bad language can easily affect a relationship. If we want to avoid problems in our
life, we should build happy and healthy relationships with people who are around us
Q5: 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’?
Ans: Yes it is true that the principle of ‘forgive and forget’ helps a lot in -maintaining cordial
relationship with one’s neighbours. This message is also conveyed through this play by Anton
Chekhov. At the very outset we find the neighbours in the play, Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov
arguing over trivial issues. They are impulsive, judgmental and extremely impatient. They have
disagreement over almost every issue around them. This difference of opinions slowly turns into
heated arguments and into fights leaving no scope for cordiality. However, when Natalya comes to
know that Lomov has come to propose her then she immediately leaves the topic of argument
(Oxen Meadows) behind. She asks for forgiveness from Lomov and requests him to come to the
point. Hence it is important to ‘forgive and forget’ if one wants to have cordial relationship with
others. The play ends with the two agreeing to marry each other.
POETRY SECTION
Dust of Snow
Q1. How does the poet react to the crow and the hemlock tree?
Ans. The crow and the hemlock tree are considered inauspicious in the west. They are generally
taken as bad omen. But the poet did not take them in a negative way. They saved his day. His
negative outlook changed into a positive one.
Q2.What changed the poet's mood?
Ans. The poet was upset. He was going somewhere on a snowy morning. As he stood under a
hemlock tree, a crow on the hemlock tree shook down the dust of snow on the poet. The falling dust
of snow on the poet changed his mood.
Q3.What is the Central Idea of Poem, The Dust of Snow?
Ans. The poem Dust of Snow by Robert Frost is a small and simple poem, but with a deeper
meaning. It expresses the significance of small things in changing one’s attitude. The poem explains
that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also reflects that hard times in
the life will lead to the happier times if we can persist with it.
Q4. How does Frost present nature in the poem?
Ans. Generally, poets take the birds and trees which are known for their beauty and good qualities,
like birds, trees, etc. But, here Frost has taken a totally different approach. He chose a crow, which
is not often used in poems. The crow is black in colour with a very harsh voice and is believed to be
a bad omen. The crow brings very depressing and sorrowful pictures to our mind.
Q5. Simple moments prove to be very significant in life. A simple moment saves the rest of the
day of the poet from being wasted. Explain on the basis of the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’.
Ans: Dust of Snow is a beautiful poem written by Robert Frost. This poem conveys that even a
simple moment has a large significance. The poet mentions a crow and a hemlock tree in this poem.
The crow is a bird which signifies the depressive and sorrowful mood and hemlock tree is a
poisonous tree. Both these signify that the poet was not in a good mood and so he describes the
dark, depressive and bitter side of nature to present his similar mood.
However a crow sitting on the Hemlock tree shakes the dust of snow on the poet and his mood
suddenly changes. Thus a simple moment proves to be significant. The poet is saved from further
negativity and despondence. A part of his day is saved from being ruined. The change is brought
about by a simple moment. Moreover the poem presents the simple idea that even the company of
nature can enliven us. Lastly we must not feel low as there is enough in life to cheer us up and to
move on with life.
Fire and Ice
Q1. What do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?
Ans. In the poem ‘fire’ stands for desire whereas ‘ice’ stands for hatred.
Q2.What are the two popular views in the society regarding the destruction of the world?
Ans. Some believe that the world will end in fire and others believe that it will end in ice.
Q3. Which two ideas about how the world will end have been mentioned in the poem? Which
idea does the poet support more?
Ans. The two ideas mentioned are that the world will end in fire or in ice. Though the poet thinks
both are great for destruction, yet he seems to favour the idea of the destruction of the world in a
fire a little more than in ice.
Q4. What do you think would be enough to destroy the world? Can Fire and Ice contribute to
it?
Ans. Our desires and hatred would be enough to destroy the world. According to the poet, `fire’
represents ‘desire’ and `ice’ represents `hatred’. Desires like fire spread rapidly and engulf one’s
whole life. Similarly, ‘hatred’ fills life with poison.
Q5. The poem ‘Fire and Ice’, carried with it very deep thematic ideas. Elaborate on these
darkest traits of humanity.
Ans. ‘Fire’ symbolizes desire and ‘Ice’ symbolizes hatred. Desire is a kind of intense love or want
that focuses people on getting and possessing and acquiring. Our society is full of people who
spend their lives working to get a bigger and better TV, a more stylish car or a more extravagant
house. This kind of desire can lead people to destruction in the form of bankruptcy or even broken
relationships. Frost’s poem speaks on the issue of greed corrupting people and even society. The
power of hate, which is symbolized by ice, is just as great as desire. While desire consumes quickly,
hate produces shy yet restrained devastation. For instance, hate is the root cause of racism and war.
It can linger in people’s mind for lifetimes. Moreover, it consumes the hater even more than the
person being hated. It thus, ruins lives.
A TIGER IN THE ZOO
Q1. How does the tiger feel in the zoo?
Ans: The poet describes the feelings of the tiger in the zoo. He keeps on moving from one comer to
another. He is not happy. He expresses his silent anger.
Q2.What would the tiger do in a forest?
Ans: In the forest, the tiger can enjoy complete freedom. He would walk around freely without any
fear. He would terrorize the villagers by growling. He would show his teeth and claws.
Q3.What does the poet want to convey through this poem?
Ans: In this poem, the poet is trying to contrast a tiger in the zoo with the tiger in its real natural
habitat. In order to show the contradiction the poet shifts the scene from the jungle to the zoo. The
poet wants to show the difference between the two environments. The poet wants to convey that
like human beings, animals also like freedom. They do not want to be caged; they cannot live a
miserable life. If their habitat is destroyed by human beings, these animals cannot survive.
Q4.How does the tiger act in the cage?
Ans: The tiger is in the cage. He is powerless and helpless. He longs for freedom. His velvet pads
do not make any noise. He is in the silent anger roaring and ignoring the visitors. Caged life has
changed his personality completely.
Q5. “Freedom is a birth right. It is the most beautiful gift of god. It is valuable for all human
beings as well as for creatures,” Discuss with reference to the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo”.
Ans: Freedom is the most beautiful gift of god. Freedom is a birthright, without freedom all is in
vain. Since the man has come on his earth, he tries to enslave the weaker sections for his own
selfishness. If a bird lives in a golden cage, it cannot become happy. It loves to fly freely in an open
sky. In the same way, if a man lives in a prison and gets everything, he cannot feel happiness. But if
a man lives freely, he will be happy even in poor conditions. In this poem, we find the descriptions
of two tigers; one is in a cage and second in an open field/forest. There is a great contrast between
their behaviours.
THE BALL POEM
Q1. How did the ball fall in the water?
Ans: The boy was playing with his ball near the harbour. The ball bounced down the street and then
unfortunately it fell in the water. It was lost forever.
Q2. When do people learn to stand up loss?
Ans: Everyone must learn to stand up loss some day. But most of the people take too long to stand
up loss. They can't forget their loss in a day and continue to grieve over it for many days.
Q3.What was the behaviour of the boy after losing the ball?
Ans: After losing the ball, the boy was shocked with grief. He stood rigid. He trembled and stared
at the harbour where his ball went. He was lost in the memories of his early childhood when he
used to play with that ball.
Q4. Why does the poet say he won't ' intrude on him'? What does he say about the boy’s loss
at this point?
Ans: The poet says that he won't 'intrude' on the boy. It is because the boy has now understood the
loss of the ball. He is in a shock. He is trying to understand what it is all about. The poet says that
the boy now senses his first responsibility. It is towards the world of materialism.
Q5. Why is it important for everyone to experience loss and stand up after all?
Ans: This material world is full of gain and loss. Almost everything that we gain is subject to loss.
Everyone has to face a situation of loss one time or the other. Experiencing loss is a great lesson of
life as it introduces us to a real life situation. It teaches us to be strong even in loss. It teaches us to
bear loss without losing heart. Life is not all about gaining things and being happy about them. Like
gain, loss is also a part of life and we have to learn that in spite of all loss, life goes on.
AMANDA
Q1. Why is Amanda not looking at the speaker?
Ans: Amanda is lost in her thoughts and is paying no attention to instructions being given to her.
That is why she is not looking at the speaker.
Q2.What does “silence is golden mean”?
Ans: It is a poetic device “metaphor”. By making silence golden the poet is estimating the worth of
silence. For Amanda seeks peak and calmness which is absent in her reality.
Q3. Why is Amanda scolded for having chocolate?
Ans: Amanda is getting scolded for having chocolates as previously it had caused her acne.
Amanda’s mother is particular about such things. She is made conscious about her physical
appearance. It is sad that she is made to worry about natural experiences.
Q4. Is Amanda at fault at all?
Ans: Amanda is not at fault at all. It is too harsh for her to understand the concept of acne and not
eating chocolate. Love of parents is missing from Amanda’s life. It is pity that we look towards
Amanda. So she wishes to be orphan. She wants to be free from the overpowering environment
around her.
Q5. What is the central theme of the poem “Amanda”?
Ans: The poem “Amanda” by Robin Klein highlights the importance of upbringing of a child. It
points out that upbringing doesn’t involve making a child responsible and fit for society only. It is
important to note that upbringing involves understanding from both the sides. One can’t just force a
child to be civilized and good mannered. Love and proper care is required in nurturing a child. In
order to get rid of her parents she wants to be orphan. Love and care should always be a part of this.
Animals
Q1- Do you think that humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago?
Discuss this in groups.
Ans- Yes, humans used to kneel in front of other humans who lived thousands of years ago. There
used to be religious sermons and ceremonies in the ancestor’s memory and they were worshipped
by kneeling in front o them.
Q2- The word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with animals…” What is
the poet turning from?
Ans- The poet is turning away from other humans who are more complicated and false than
animals.
Q3- What are the three things that humans do and animals don’t.
Ans- The three things are:
o Humans work and sweat to make a living and then whine about it while animals
don’t.
o Humans are awake at night and cry for wrongdoings but animals sleep peacefully.
o Humans discuss their duties to God and sick others while animals don’t.
Q4. What makes the poet sick?
Ans. The fact, that humans commit all kinds of sins and still discuss their duty to God, makes the
poet sick. This shows the hypocrisy of humans, who on one hand do wrong and on the other pray to
God.
Q5. Differentiate between humans and animals in terms of desire.
Ans. Animals are very different from humans as they have no desire to own things. They are happy
without an unending greed while humans become maniacs in their greed for possessing valuables.
Q6. What does the poet mean by, “Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth”?
Ans. The poet means that animals do not pray to God or to ancestors and all of them are equal;
hence no one is more respectable than the other. The good values of animals and the lack of social
conventions make them happy.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Q1- In the poem, why did Belinda tickle the dragon?
Ans- Belinda tickles the dragon because Custard, the Dragon was very scared. It cried for a safe
cage.
Q2- Why Custard, the dragon cries for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly
dragon”?
Ans- Custard was crying for a safe and nice cage because it was a coward. The dragon is called a
‘cowardly dragon’ because everybody else in the house was brave.
Q3- Name the characters in this poem and list them with their pet names.
Ans- The characters in the poem are a little black kitten, Belinda, a little grey mouse, a little pet
dragon, a little yellow dog and a pirate. Their pet names are:
Kitten- Ink
Mouse- Blink
Dog- Mustard
Dragon- Custard
Q4. How did everyone react after Custard ate the pirate?
Ans. Belinda embraced Custard because he had saved everyone by killing the pirate. Mustard
licked him to show his affection while Ink and Blink started dancing around Custard out of
happiness.
Q5. How did the other three pet boast of their bravery?
Ans. After Mustard, Ink and Blink fled on seeing the pirate, it was Custard, who fought him and
killed him. The other pets soon made excuses for their cowardice and said that they would have
been twice and thrice as brave as Custard.
Q6. Did Custard accept his cowardice and their bravery?
Ans. Yes, Custard seemed like a really humble animal as even after killing the pirate he accepted
that he is a coward and everyone else is braver than he.
BOOK: FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
Chapter 1. A Triumph of Surgery
Q1- Why Mrs. Pumphrey is worried about Tricki?
Ans- Mrs. Pumphrey was worried because Tricki would not eat anything and was even refusing its
favourite dishes. It was just lying around on the rug and panting.
Q2- Why Mrs. Pumphrey thought that the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Ans- Mrs. Pumphrey thought that the dog’s recovery was actually “a triumph of surgery” because
just in two weeks Tricki had recovered completely. Tricki was transformed into a hard-muscled
animal.
Q3- Do you think Tricki was happy to go home?
Ans- Yes, Tricki was happy to go home. It jumped right from the narrator’s arms and went to Mrs.
Pumphrey.
Q4. In the end of the lesson Mrs. Pumphery says “This is a triumph of surgery.” Why?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey’s dog, Tricki had fallen ill and had to be admitted for treatment to Dr.
Herriot’s hospital. Dr. Harriot gave him a lot of water and exercise which helped Tricki to recover.
When Mrs. Pumphrey went to collect him, Tricki jumped into her lap and started licking her face.
On seeing him fully recovered, Mrs. Pumphrey called it a triumph in surgery.
Q5. How can you say that Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady who had a small dog, named Tricki. She had pampered the
dog by providing him things like a raincoat for wet days, a whole wardrobe, full of tweed coats.
There were separate bowls like breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl etc. or his different meals.
She had a lot of servants and maids to take care of him and to serve Tricki s favourite cushions, toys
and rubber rings. Besides, she owned a chauffeur driven long, black car. All these things suggest
that she was a rich lady.
Q6. Distinguish between Mrs. Pumphrey’s method and Mr. Herriot’s method in looking after
the dog. Whose method could be regarded the better of the two and why?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey loved Tricki, her pet dog, very much. When she found that Tricki was no
more active and energetic, she tried to give more nutrients in his food to make him more energetic
like malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks, an extra diet of cream cakes & chocolates. But she
was not giving him exercises. In fact, Tricki was not suffering from any disease. Mr. Harriot found
out the main cause of his ailment, i.e., his greed for over-eating. Mr. Harriot gave him a controlled
diet, recovered him from lethargy caused by overeating and excessive fat. So, Mr. Harriot’s method
could be regarded better of two as he understood the cause and remedy of the disease. He was able
to treat the dog by being strict with him regarding diet and physical activities.
Q7. Was Tricki also to be blamed in more ways than one? How?
Ans. Tricki was Mrs. Pumphrey’s favourite dog. No doubt, she loved him very much and so,
pampered him. But then it was Tricki’s fault also. He was a greedy dog who wanted to eat anything
and everything which was served to him. He had never refused to eat food and used to have meal at
any hour of the day or night. He had become a glutton. He changed his system very easily
according to the luxuries he got. Apart from all that, he never believed in going for exercises or
walk. He rather tried ‘to please his mistress by eating all the time be it sweets or eggs. So, he was
also to be blamed for his present condition.
Q8. Why was Tricki happy in the doctor’s house?
Ans. In the doctor’s house, Tricki was placed in a warm box next to the other dogs. He was given
only water and no food. On the second day, he met the other dogs but showed no interest. By the
fourth day he ran towards his food and joined the other dogs in their friendly, energetic struggles.
He discovered the joys of being squashed and being an accepted member of the gang. He fought for
his share at meals and hunted rats at night.
Chapter 2. The Thief’s Story
Q1. In which queer way did Anil make a living?
Ans: Anil wrote for magazines so he made money by fits and starts. It was his habit that he would
borrow for one week and then returns the next. He kept wondering about his next cheque but as
soon as it is arrived he would go out and celebrate.
Q2. Why was it difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil?
Ans: It was difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil because he was the most trusted person he had
never met in his life. Hari Singh thought that it was easy to rob a greedy man as he can afford to be
robbed but it was difficult to rob a careless men like Anil he doesn't even notice that he has been
robbed and it takes all the pleasure out of the work.
Q3. What are the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Ans: Hari Singh was an experienced thief. He had made a study of men's faces when they had lost
their goods. According to him the greedy man showed fear. The rich man showed anger. The poor
man showed acceptance of their fate but he knew that when Anil would discover the theft his face
would show only at touch of sadness not for the loss of money but for the loss of trust.
Q4. How did Hari Singh know that Anil had forgiven him?
Ans. It seems Anil knew about theft but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. He gave him
fifty rupees and told him that now he would be paid regularly. He informed him that he would teach
him to write sentences. It shows that Anil had forgiven him.
Q5. Why did the thief smile without any effect towards the end of the story?
Ans. The thief smiled at Anil towards the end of the story in his most appealing way. But unlike as
on previous occasions, this smile was natural and from the innermost comer of his heart. Being
spontaneous, the smile was “without any effect”.
Chapter 3. The Midnight Visitor (deleted)
Chapter 4. A Question of Trust (deleted)
Chapter 5. Footprints without Feet
Q1. Why does Mrs.Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Ans. Mrs.Hall found the scientist eccentric because he had uncommon appearance. He didn’t want
to talk her in spite of being friendly nature to him.
Q2. What did Griffin do inside the store?
Ans. Griffin broke open the boxes and wrappers and dressed himself in warm cloths. He ate and
drank to his heart’s content. In the end, he laid down on the pile of quilts to sleep.
Q3. Why was Miss Hall prepared to excuse his eccentric behavior?
Ans: Miss Hall was prepared to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper as she was satisfied
that his guest was an eccentric scientist and the real fact was that he had paid her in advance.
Q4. Why were the two boys surprised to see the imprints of a pair of bare feet?
Ans: The two boys were surprised to see the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet on the steps
of a house in the middle of London, descending the steps and progressing down the street .It was
surprising to see, at last the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and disappeared
altogether.
Q5. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Ans: Mrs Hall finds the scientist eccentric .First of all, the arrival of a stranger at the Inn in winter
was an unusual event and that too he booked two rooms .Everybody was talking about strange
appearance .She tried her best to be friendly with him but Griffin had no desire to talk .He told them
that he has come to Iping for solitude and do not wish to be disturbed in his work. In addition to this
an accident has affected his face.
Chapter 6. The making of a Scientist
Q1. What does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Ans: When Richard Ebright exhibited slides of frog tissues at a fair and does not win anything at
the science fair. He learnt that science is not just about display. It is about projects and experiments
.He began to conduct experiments from that very day onwards.
Q2. Mention any two contributions of Richard Ebright to the world of science?
Ans: Richard Ebright carried out experiments to prove that hormone produced by the gold spots of
Pupa is responsible for the growth of formation of butterfly’s Wings. Secondly he also discussed
how a cell could read the blueprints of its DNA that controls heredity.
Q3. What are the main qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Ans: The main qualities that go into the making of a scientist are first rate mind ,curiosity to learn
and do new things and will to win for the right reasons .Consistency is also highly appreciated and
equally important.
Q4. How did the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ became a turning point in Richard
Ebright’s life? Why did he lose interest in tagging butterflies?
Ans: The book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ became a turning point in his life when his mother
bought the book and Doctor Urquhart had invited readers to help him studying the Migration of
Monarch butterfly at the end of the book. Richard Ebright lost interest in tagging butterflies because
it was a tedious work that did not provide much feedback to him.
Q5. Dr Urquhart contributed significantly to Ebright’s growth as a scientist. Explain.
Ans. Richard had become bored with collecting butterflies. His mother got him a book on the
migration of butterflies. Richard came in contact with Dr Urquhart through the book. Dr Urquhart
directed him to study the migration pattern of butterflies.
When he did not win any prize in the science fair in seventh grade, he again wrote to Dr Urquhart to
guide him. The scientist gave him many suggestions for new experiments. Richard performed these
experiments throughout his high school and won many prizes. Later, he worked on why bright spots
are found on a monarch pupa, motivated by Dr Urquhart. It led to the discovery of a new hormone.
The discovery of this new hormone further led to an important theory. The theory was about how
cells read their DNA. In this way Dr Urquhart proved to be his true mentor.
Chapter 7. THE NECKLACE
Q1. Why did Mathilda not want to see her rich friends?
Ans: Her friends were rich and full of money power but she was married to a simple clerk, had
inferiority complex. Mathilda did not want to see her rich friends because she suffered from
inferiority complex. She was married to a simple clerk; whereas her friends were rich and full of
money power.
Q2.What was Loisel’s reaction to his wife’s desire for a new dress?
Ans: The Loisel’s had been invited to a party at the minister’s residence. When Matilda told her
husband that she wanted a new dress to wear, first of all he asked her to wear whatever she
possessed. When she got angry and refused to go to the party at all, he finally agreed to let her buy
a new one.
Q3. Do you think M. Loisel had an enjoyable evening at the ball? Give reasons for your
answer.
Ans: I think M. Loisel didn’t enjoy much at the ball. In fact, he was not much interested in such
parties. He had come there for the sake of his wife’s happiness. So when his wife was dancing with
enthusiasm, intoxicated with pleasure, he waited for her (but without disturbing her) half asleep in
one of the little salons since midnight.
Q4. How did the Loisel react when they realised that the necklace had been lost?
Ans: As soon as they realised that the necklace had been lost their short-lived happiness
degenerated into shock of the worst nightmare. Matilda uttered a cry. Loisel, already half
undressed, arose in dismay and went immediately on foot in search of necklace.
Q5. Why could Mrs. Forestier not recognize her friend Matilda at the end of the story?
Ans: Matilda had to work very hard to lead her life. She had become a strong, hard woman, the
crude woman of the household. In fact she had started looking old. One Sunday evening, when she
was taking a walk in the Champs Elysees, she met Mrs. Forestier who still looked young and pretty.
As Matilda had started looking old and haggard, she couldn’t be recognized by her.
Chapter 8. The Hack Driver
Q1- Why the lawyer is sent to New Mullion? What does he think about the place?
Ans- The lawyer was sent to New Mullion in order to serve the summons on Oliver Lutkins. He
was needed as a witness in a law case. The lawyer had expected the place to be a sweet and simple
country village.
Q2- “I agreed that it was pretty disrespectful treatment. We did, however, search the house.
Since it was only one storey high, Bill went round it, peering in at all the windows. We
examined the barn and stable.”
a. Who does ‘I’ refer to?
Ans- Sinclair Lewis
b. What was Bill’s profession?
Ans- Hack Driver
c. The disrespectful treatment faced by the speaker was…
Ans- Oliver’s mother shouted at them and threatened them with an iron.
d.The phrase ‘peering in at all windows’ here means…
Ans- It means looking inside and trying to find something
Q3- Why do you think Lutkins’ neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer?
A3-Lutkins took the lawyer all across the town in search of Lutkins himself. He was able to fool a
lawyer with his cooked up stories about Lutkins and other villagers. All this must have become the
talk of the town as how a man could fool the other man in his own search. Everyone had seen this
happening. So, Lutkins’ neighbours were keen to see him as they missed seeing him that day.
Q4-After his first day’s experience with the hack driver the lawyer thinks of returning to New
Mullion to practise law. Do you think he would have reconsidered this idea after his second
visit?
Ans- Yes, he may have reconsidered his idea of practicing law at New Mullions. He had taken this
decision because he was impressed by the noble and friendly nature of Bill. He found that the
villagers were nice, innocent and kind. They were far better than the city people who were not so
simple and humble. But on the second visit when he realized that Lutkins had fooled him, he would
rethink over his idea and would decide not to settle in New Mullion.
Q5- Do you think the lawyer was gullible? How could he have avoided being taken for a ride?
Ans- Yes, the lawyer was very gullible as he was taken away with whatever he was told by the hack
driver. He never thought of cross checking it. The lawyer could have checked everything himself by
going to the people himself but he let Bill to do this. He was so impressed by Bill’s friendliness and
cheerfulness that he never cross checked with what he was told by the Bill and made it easy for the
hack driver to fool him.
Chapter 9. Bholi
Q1.Why did the other children make fun of Bholi ?
Ans: Some part of Bholi’s brain had got damaged when she fell from a cot at the age of ten months.
This made her a little backward and simpleton. She learnt to speak a little late and stammered a lot.
Thus, the children made fun of her and mimicked her.
Q2.Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about his other children?
Ans: Ramlal was more worried about Bholi because she was the weakest child in their family while
her brothers and sisters were healthy. He was worried about her ugly looks because of the pock-
marks all over her body and also because of her stammering. He was worried that no one would
come forward to marry Bholi because of her being weak and ugly.
Q3.Why did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand to take her to school?
Ans: Bholi, the weakest child of the family, was suffering from physical disability and mental
infirmity, because of which she didn’t want to go to school.
Q4.How did her fear disappear after she had gone to school?
Ans: Her teacher proved a gem to her who always provided all possible help and assistance to her
and turned her into a bold and confident girl. The teacher always encouraged her and asked her to
come to school daily.
Q5.Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber at last?
Ans: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was greedy and mean. She refused to allow him
to garland her and told him that he was a contemptible person.
Chapter 10. The Book that Saved the Earth (deleted)
___________________________________________________________________________
A Letter to God
AY
Short
Answer Questions
1. What
did Lencho hope for?
Ans. Lencho hoped for
rains as the only thing his field of ripe corn needed was a shower.
2. Why
did Lencho say that the raindrops were like 'new coins'?
Ans. Lencho's crops
were ready for harvest. As raindrops would have helped in getting a better
harvest, resulting in more prosperity, so Lencho compared them with 'new coins.
3. How
did rain change? What happened to Lencho's fields?
Ans. The rain was
pouring down. But suddenly, a strong wind began to blow and very large
hailstones began to fall along with the rain. All the crops in Lencho's fields
destroyed.
4. What
were Lencho's feelings when the hail stopped?
Ans. After the hail
stopped, Lencho's soul was filled with sadness. He could see a bleak future for
himself and his family. He was worried about the lack of food in the coming
year.
5. Who
or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do?
Ans. Lencho had
complete faith in God. He believed that God's eyes see everything, even what is
deep in one's conscience. So, he wrote a letter to God saying that he needed
hundred pesos to sow his field again.
6. What
made him angry?
Ans. When he finished
counting the money, he found only seventy pesos. But he had demanded a hundred
pesos. He was confident that God could neither make a mistake nor deny him what
he had requested for. Therefore, he concluded that the post office employees
must have taken the remaining thirty pesos.
7. Why
does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter 'God'?
Ans. Postmaster was
moved by Lencho's complete faith in God. So, he decided to send money to
Lencho. Moreover, the postmaster did not want to shake Lencho's faith in God.
So, he signed the letter 'God'. It was a good ploy to convey a message that God
had himself written the letter.
8. Did
Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not?
Ans. No, Lencho did not try to find out who had sent the money to him. This was because he had great confidence in God and never suspected that it could be someone else other than God who would send him the money. His faith in God was so strong that he believed that God had sent him the money.
Case
Study Based Questions:
1. There
are two kinds of conflicts in the story: between
humans and nature, and between humans themselves. How are these conflicts
illustrated?
Ans. The first conflict
between humans and nature is aptly depicted by the destruction of Lencho's
crops by the hailstorm. As the crops fail, Lencho started feeling sad and
gloomy. This appropriately projects the conflict between humans and nature,
The second conflict
depicted in the story is between humans themselves. As a noble soul, the
postmaster, along with the help of the other post office employees, sent Lencho
the money that they could manage to collect. Though they were not related to
Lencho or knew him personally, they acted kindly and selflessly. Even though
they did a good deed, Lencho blamed them for taking away some amount of money.
This shows that man does not trust his fellow humans, thereby, giving rise to
the conflict between humans themselves.
2. The
postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others. Mention
those values of the postmaster which you would like to emulate in yourself.
Ans. The postmaster was
a kind, generous, helpful, amiable and God-fearing man. He received a letter
from Lencho which was written to God asking for hundred pesos, so that he could
sow his fields again. The postman felt sympathetic towards Lencho. He decided
to help Lencho. He gave up a part of his salary and asked all other employees
to help. Even his friends were made to contribute for a cause of charity and he
managed to collect seventy pesos. He sent the money to Lencho along with a
reply. He did so in order to preserve the man's faith in God. This shows the
postmaster was a nice mana heart.
3. "If you don't help
me, my family and I will go hungry this year."
Lencho had faith God but he didn't manage to solve the problem by himself. Did
he lack the courage to resolve his matter by himself? What values did he lack?
Ans. Lencho was a hardworking farmer. He was completely dependent upon the crops of his fields. His annual crop was completely destroyed due to heavy rains and hailstorm. In the entire village, there was no one to help him during the time of financial crisis. He had firm belief in God and hence wrote a letter requesting Him to send hundred pesos, so that he could sow his fields again till the next crop. This act did not prove that he lacked the courage to resolve his problem, but shows that he did not have any option left for himself. He had a firm belief in God. He was an ox of a man but lacked money to stand again.
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