KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN

GUWAHATI REGION

QUESTION BANK
SESSION- 2021-22

SUBJECT- ENGLISH (CORE)

CLASS XII- TERM II
 PATRON

SHRI VARUN MITRA

DEPUTY COMISSIONER, KVS RO GUWAHATI

CO-PATRON

SHRI VENKTESWAR PRASAD B

ASSISTANT COMISSIONER, KVS RO GUWAHATI

CO-ORDINATOR

I S BURAGOHAIN
PRINCIPAL, KV NO. III JORHAT

CONTRIBUTORS

Smt. Shikha S. Gogoi PGT (English), KV NO. III Jorhat

Shri. Nishant Kumar PGT (English), KV Namrup
Mohd. Ali Ahmed PGT (English), KV ONGC Sibsagar
Smt. Purabi Sharma PGT (English), KV ONGC Nazira
Smt. Sonam Yadav PGT (English), KV AFS Jorhat
Shri. Maloy Kumar Paul PGT (English), KV ONGC Jorhat
Smt. Bhanita Das PGT (English), KV AFS Borjhar
Smt. Banashree Sarmah PGT (English), KV Golaghat
Shri. Partha Paul PGT (English), KV Tezpur NO. 4 (CUT)

DRAFTING & TECHNICAL TEAM

MS. NANDITA BORAH, TGT ENGLISH, KV NO. III JORHAT
MS. NAINA KAMRA, PRT, KV NO. III JORHAT
 TERM II
SYLLABUS FROM FLAMINGO
PROSE POETRY
1.The Rattrap 1. A Thing of Poetry
2. Indigo 2. Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger
SYLLABUS FROM VISTAS

PROSE

1. Should Wizard Hit Mommy?

2. On the Face of It

3. Evan Tries an O Level

Marks Distribution as per CBSE Sample Paper (Literature):-

1. Five Questions, in about 40 words each 2x5=10

2. Two Questions, in about 120-150 words each 4x2=8

Total Marks - 18
 SECTION A (READING)
READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE -1

1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur
during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal
personality. He, along with his kingdom, became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar
had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar,
with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as
augmented their magnificence, despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less
population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down.
Their flag once again heaved high in the sky, thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.
2. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent
and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1,500 years since its
establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact, only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana
Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached
Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through
victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana
himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence, even today. The ambience of
his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high-quality work of art and literature. These
accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition, sustained by several generations.
3. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time;
otherwise, such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is
reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable
physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely, thanks to the cheerful
and liberal character of its people.
4. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship, not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but
also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are
testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst
aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not
suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha, which is the sample
of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing
high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was, which allowed people from other communities
and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate, whether the
Vijaya Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing
side-by-side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
5. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas, the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising
the kingdom to the acme of glory; it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of
Mewar, the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was
running against the stream and the glorious traditions for some time.
 Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions from the nine given below:
(1 × 8 = 8 marks)

1. How did Maharana Pratap turn into an immortal personality?

2. What were the difficulties in the way of Mewar?

3. What was the thorny occasion?

4. Why was Mewar lucky?

5. Which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today?

6. Who was the earliest King of Mewar?

7. How many years Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar?

8. What progressed extraordinarily during the reign of Rana Kumbha?

9. Find word from the passage which means ‘the most perfect thing that can exist or be
achieved’.

Answers:

1. He added a lot of grandeur to Mewar

2. Its small area and small population

3. When the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered

4. Because all of its rulers were competent

5. Vijaya Stambha

6. Bappa Rawal

7. 25 years

8. literature and art

9. acme
 READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE -2

I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being was stricken blind and deaf for a few days at
some time during his adult life. Darkness would make him more appreciative of sight, silence would teach him
the joy of sound. Now and then I have tested my seeing friends to discover what they see. Recently I asked a
friend, who had just returned from a long walk in the woods, what she has observed. "Nothing in particular," she
replied.
How was it possible I asked myself to walk for an hour through the woods and see nothing worthy of note? I,
who cannot see find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate symmetry of leaf. I
pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch or the rough, shaggy bark of a pine. In spring I
touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud, the first sign of awakening nature after her winter's
sleep. Occasionally if I am fortunate & place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird
in full song.
At times my heart cries out with longing to see all these things. If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch,
how much more beauty must be revealed by sight. And I have imagined what I should must like to see if I were
given the use of my eyes, say, just for three days.
I should divide the period into three parts. On the first day, I should want to see the people whose kindness and
gentleness and companionship have made my life worth living. First, I would like to gaze upon the face of my
dear teacher, Mrs. Anne Sullivan Macy. She came to see me when I was a child. She opened the other world
for me.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY SIX questions from the seven questions given
below: (1 × 6 = 6 marks)

(i) What would make one's blindness more appreciative of sight?

(ii) What would silence teach one's deafness?
(iii) How could Helen Keller find hundreds of things?
(iv) Whom would she like to see first if she was given sight?
(v)Where do the Narrator feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song?
(vi)What is the first sign of awakening nature after her winter's sleep, according to the narrator.
(vii) Find out the antonym of the word – Reveal.
Answer Key:
(i) darkness makes one's blindness more appreciative of sight
(ii) silence teaches the joy of sound
(iii) Hellen Keller found them by mere touch
(iv) she would like to see her teacher
(v) on a small tree
(vi) a bud
(vii) Conceal
 READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE 3
1. Ammon means “fragrant spice plant” in Arabic and Hebraic and in Italian, canella means “little tube”. These
are a few of the many terms given to the popular spice known as cinnamon. Dating back as far as 2800 B.C.,
Chinese writings describe cinnamon as an important part of the culture, so much so that over the years this spice
was traded right up there with silver. Nowadays we find it in sweetened cereals, baked goods and sprinkled on
various foods such as yoghurt. Yet, many do not consider its wealth of healing capabilities including the potential
as a weight loss remedy.
2. Cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree grown and harvested mostly in Sri Lanka but
also found in Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Burma. After a cinnamon tree grows for about six to eight
years it is cut down leaving a stump to allow it to grow again making it a very sustainable practice. It is then
stripped from the bark, dried and packaged as sticks for export.
3. Several studies have been published regarding the weight loss properties of cinnamon which include its unique
ability to be used for type 2 diabetes which is a disease often resulting from obesity. When eaten, the spice seems
to slow down glucose absorption within the intestines while stimulating insulin production. This normalizes
blood glucose levels which in turn can indirectly decrease weight gain.
4. “The results of study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3 or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose,
triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion
of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases”.
5. A study from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, called “Effect of ground cinnamon on after-
meal blood glucose level in normal-weight and obese adults” found that cinnamon may be effective in
moderating post-meal glucose level in normal weight and obese adults.
6. Columbia University nutritionist Tara Ostrowe comments to Reader’s Digest on the benefits of this spice:
“Cinnamon really is the new skinny food. Scientists already credit cinnamon with helping lower blood sugar
concentration and improving insulin sensitivity. When less sugar is stored as fat, this translates into more help
for your body when it comes to weight loss”.
7. Talk to your doctor about adding cinnamon daily into your healthy diet and exercise program. Add it to your
tea, oatmeal, fruit, toast or anything else you can think of, as a small amount will go a long way and potentially
assist in your weight loss mission.
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. ‘Yet, many do not consider its wealth of healing capabilities’. What does the writer refer to by using the
word ‘wealth’?.
ii. Which country produces most of the cinnamon in the world?
iii. Pick out the phrase from the passage (para 1) which shows that cinnamon was much in demand in
China.
iv. From what is cinnamon derived?
v. How is it used today?
vi. In what way does cinnamon help people suffering from type2 diabetes?
vii. How is cinnamon helpful in weight loss?
viii. Find word/s from the passage which mean the same as reaped/cultivated (para 2)
Answer Key:
i. The healing power of cinnamon
ii. Sri Lanka produces most of the cinnamon in the world.
iii. Chinese writings describe cinnamon as an important part of the culture, so much so that over the years this
spice was ‘traded right up there with silver’.
iv. Cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamon tree from which it is stripped, dried and packaged
as sticks.
v. Nowadays we find cinnamon in sweetened cereals, baked goods and it is sprinkled on various foods such as
yoghurt.
vi. Cinnamon helps people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It seems to slow down the glucose absorption within
the intestines while stimulating insulin production. This normalizes blood glucose levels which indirectly
decreases weight gain.
vii. Scientists credit cinnamon with helping lower blood sugar concentration and improving insulin sensitivity.
When less sugar is stored as fat, it helps the body in terms of weight loss.
viii. Harvested
READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE 4
1. Those large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a general assumption which has passed from one
work to another, but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false and that it has vitiated the reasoning of
geologists on some points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has probably been
derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles
are associated together in everyone’s mind. If, however, we refer to any work of travels through the southern
parts of Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page either to the desert character of the country or to the
numbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same thing is rendered evident by the many engravings which have
been published in various parts of the interior.
2. Dr Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that taking into
consideration the whole of the southern part of Africa, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country. On
the southern coasts, there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the traveller may pass for days together
through open plains, covered by poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we look to the animals inhabiting these
wide plains, we shall find their numbers extraordinarily great, and their bulk immense.
3. It may be supposed that although the species are numerous, the individuals of each kind are few. By the
kindness of Dr Smith, I am enabled to show that the case is very different. He informs me that in one day’s march
with the bullock-wagons, he saw, without wandering to any great distance on either side, between one-hundred
and one-hundred and fifty rhinoceroses—the same day he saw several herds of giraffes, amounting together to
nearly a hundred.
4. At the distance of a little more than one hour’s march from their place of encampment on the previous night,
his party actually killed eight hippopotamuses at one spot and saw many more. In this same river, there were
likewise crocodiles. Of course, it was a case quite extraordinary to see so many great animals crowded together,
but it evidently proves that they must exist in great numbers. Dr Smith describes that the country passed through
that day as ‘being thinly covered with grass, and bushes about four feet high, and still more thinly with mimosa
trees.
5. Besides these large animals, anyone the least acquainted with the natural history of the Cape has read of the
herds of antelopes, which can be compared only with the flocks of migratory birds. The numbers indeed of the
lion, panther, and hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the abundance of the smaller
quadrupeds. One evening, seven lions were counted at the same time prowling round Dr Smith’s encampment.
As this, an able naturalist remarked to me, each day the carnage in Southern Africa must indeed be terrific! I
confess that it is truly surprising how such a number of animals can find support in a country producing so little
food.
6. The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in search of it; and their food chiefly consists of
underwood, which probably contains many nutrients in a small bulk. Dr. Smith also informs me that the
vegetation has a rapid growth; no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by a fresh stock. There
can be no doubt, however, that our ideas respecting the apparent amount of food necessary for the support of
large quadrupeds are much exaggerated. The belief that where large quadrupeds exist, the vegetation must
necessarily be luxuriant is more remarkable because the converse is far from true.
7. Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing struck him more forcibly than the splendour
of the South American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa, together with the absence of all large
quadrupeds. In his travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the respective weights (if there were sufficient
data) of an equal number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds of each country would be extremely curious. If
we take on the one side, the elephants, hippopotamus, giraffe, bos caffer, elan, five species of rhinoceros; and on
the American side, two tapirs, the guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccari, capybara (after which we must choose
from the monkeys to complete the number), and then place these two groups alongside each other; it is not easy
to conceive ranks more disproportionate in size.
8. After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against the anterior probability that among the Mammalia
there exists no close relation between the bulk of the species, and the quantity of the vegetation in the countries
which they inhabit. Adapted from: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin (1890).
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. What is the primary concern of the author?
ii. According to the author, what has led to the ‘prejudice’?
iii. Why are the flocks of migratory birds mentioned in the passage?
iv. Why does Darwin quote Burchell’s observations?
v. What prejudice has vitiated the reasoning of geologists?
vi. What is the ‘carnage’ referred to by Dr Smith?
vii. What does Darwin’s remark, ‘if there were sufficient data’ indicate?
viii. To account for the ‘surprising’ number of animals in a ‘country producing so little food’, what partial
explanation does Darwin suggest?
Answer Key:
i. Discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of vegetation in their habitats
ii. False ideas about animals in Africa
iii. To contrast with the habits of the antelope
iv. To illustrate a well-known phenomenon
v. The prejudice that large animals require luxuriant vegetation has vitiated the reasoning of geologists.
vi. Dr Smith refers to the number of prey animals killed by predators as carnage.
vii. Darwin’s remark indicates that comparison of the weights of herbivores is largely speculative
viii. To account for the ‘surprising’ number of animals in a country producing so little food, Darwin suggests
that food requirements have been overestimated. He also suggests a rapid growth of plant material.

READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE 5

1.We all have been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of the pandemic and its
consequences are felt differently depending on our status as individuals and as members of society. While some
try to adapt to working online, homeschooling their children and ordering food via Instacart, others have no
choice but to be exposed to the virus while keeping society functioning. Our different social identities and the
social groups we belong to determine our inclusion within society and, by extension, our vulnerability to
epidemics. COVID-19 is killing people on a large scale.
2. As of October 10, 2020, more than 7.7 million people across every state in the United States and its four
territories had tested positive for COVID-19. According to the New York Times database, at least 213,876 people
with the virus have died in the United States. However, these alarming numbers give us only half of the picture;
a closer look at data by different social identities (such as class, gender, age, race, and medical history) shows
that minorities have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic. These minorities in the United States are
not having their right to health fulfilled.
3. According to the World Health Organization’s report Closing the Gap in a Generation: Health Equity through
Action on the Social Determinants of Health, “poor and unequal living conditions are the consequences of deeper
structural conditions that together fashion the way societies are organized—poor social policies and programs,
unfair economic arrangements, and bad politics.” This toxic combination of factors as they play out during this
time of crisis, and as early news on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic pointed out, is disproportionately
affecting African American communities in the United States. I recognize that the pandemic has had and is
having devastating effects on other minorities as well, but space does not permit this essay to explore the impact
on other minority groups. As noted by Samuel Dickman et al.: economic inequality in the US has been increasing
for decades and is now among the highest in developed countries … As economic inequality in the US has
deepened, so too has inequality in health.
4. Both overall and government health spending are higher in the US than in other countries, yet inadequate
insurance coverage, high-cost sharing by patients, and geographical barriers restrict access to care for many.
Similarly, American Public Media reported on the COVID-19 mortality rate by race/ethnicity through July 21,
2020, including Washington, DC, and 45 states (see figure 1). These data, while showing an alarming death rate
for all races, demonstrate how minorities are hit harder and how, among minority groups, the African American
population in many states bears the brunt of the pandemic’s health impact. Approximately 97.9 out of every
100,000 African Americans have died from COVID-19, a mortality rate that is a third higher than that for Latinos
(64.7 per 100,000), and more than double than that for whites (46.6 per 100,000) and Asians (40.4 per 100,000).
The overrepresentation of African Americans among confirmed COVID-19 cases and number of deaths
underscores the fact that the coronavirus pandemic, far from being an equalizer, is amplifying or even worsening
existing social inequalities tied to race, class, and access to the health care system.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
i. What were the adaptations taken by society during the epidemic?
ii. What does WHO’s report closing the gap in generation mainly focus on?
iii. Who among the minorities were disproportionally affected during pandemic?
iv. According to Samuel Dickman, what is the cause of health inequality in the US?
v. On what basis, American Public Media reported COVID-19 Mortality rate?
vi. According to the passage, what happened to the right to health of minorities of US?
vii. What is the writer unable to explore through this essay?
viii. What are the hindrances evident in the passage, corroborating the fact that health care was not available for
many during the times of pandemic?
Answer Key:
i. Homeschooling, working online, ordering food online
ii. Closing the health gap
iii. African Americans
iv. Economic inequality
v. Impact on other minority groups
vi. Race/Ethnicity of the victims
vii. Minorities in the United States are not having their right to health fulfilled.
viii. Inadequate insurance coverage, high-cost sharing by patients, and geographical barriers restrict access to
care for many.
 SECTION B (WRITING)
FORMAL INVITATION

Q1. You are Mr. Ronit Shah from H No. 22, Gandhi Colony, Shimla. Your daughter Rina is getting
married. Draft a formal invitation inviting guests to attend the wedding ceremony. Furnish all necessary
details.
Answer:

Mrs. and Mr. Ronit Shah request the pleasure of your company at the auspicious occasion
of the marriage ceremony of their daughter
Riya Shah
to
Rahul Kumar
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jatin Kumar
On Friday, May 27, 2022
At 4 PM in their own residence
H.No. 22 Gandhi Colony, Shimla

RSVP PROGRAMME
Mr. Ronit Shah 4 PM: Reception
9543862571 10 PM: Arrival of Barat

Q2. You are Principal, MK High School, Gahpur. Your school is organising an annual day function. Draft
a formal invitation inviting parents and stakeholders to the event. Provide all necessary details.

Answer:
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
Mukunda Kakoti High School, Gahpur
solicit the pleasure of your company
on
the auspicious occasion
of
THE ANNUAL DAY FUNCTION
of their School
at 6 PM on Monday, the 23rd of May, 2022
in the school auditorium
Smt. Annapurna Devi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Govt. of India
will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest
and give away the prizes to the students

RSVP PROGRAMME
Principal 6 PM: Annual Day Function
MK High School, Gahpur 7 PM: Prize Distribution
Phone: 2350338 8 PM: Refreshment
Q3. You are Sanjay Kumar, the Sports Secretary of Army Public School, Gurugram. Your school is
organising an inter-school T-20 Cricket championship from 224th May to 27th May 2022. Write a formal
invitation to Sh. P.K. Singh, former international cricketer, to inaugurate the championship on 24th May
2022 at 9AM at your school playground.
Answer:
Army Public School
Gurugram

13 May, 2022

Sh. P.K. Singh

2/27 Karol Bagh
New Delhi

Sub: Inauguration of Cricket Championship

Sir
Our school is organizing an inter-school T-20 cricket championship from 24th to 27th May 2022. All the schools
of the area are likely to participate. We request your benign presence to be the Chief Guest to inaugurate the
championship on 24th May, 222 at 09 A.M. in our school playground. Your presence in our midst will act as a
catalyst and inspire us.

Yours faithfully,
Sanjay Kumar
Sports Secretary

Q4. You are Dr. Raima Solanki, Head of the Department of Sociology in Tezpur University, Assam. Your
department is organizing a Talk Programme on the topic Relationship Between Man and Environment
on 23rd May 2022. As the coordinator of the event, draft a formal invitation inviting Mr. Jadav Payeng,
the Forest Man of India, to inaugurate the programme.
Answer:

Department of Sociology
Tezpur University, Assam

13th May 2022

Shri Jadav Payeng

Kokilamukh
Jorhat 785001

Subject: Inauguration of Talk Programme

Sir
I am glad to inform that Department of Sociology, Tezpur University is organizing a Talk Programme on the
Relationship between Man and Environment on 23rd May 2022 in the University Conference Hall to aware young
minds about Environmental protection and sustainability. Your knowledge on the field of conservation of the
environment is immense and your presence in the programme would be an honour for Tezpur University. I would
like to request you to grace the event as the chief guest and inaugurate the programme.

Yours faithfully

Dr. Raima Solanki

Head, Department of Sociology

INFORMAL INVITATION
1. You are Leena Sen. The wedding of your elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on 25th May, 2022
at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. Write out an informal invitation to your friend Vinnie requesting her to
attend the function.
Answer:
4357,Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar

13 May, 2022

Dear Vinnie

You will be pleased to know that the wedding of my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be solemnised on the 25th
May, 2022 at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. The whole family will move there in the morning. I invite you to join
us at lunch in the hotel on the 25th May, 2022. The wedding ceremony will take place at 8 PM.
I do hope you will join us on the auspicious occasion.

Yours lovingly
Leena

2.You are Joy/Jonali of Dergaon, Assam. Draft an informal invitation to your friend Ronit/Rajashree to
attend your birthday party on 16th May, 2022.
Answer:

Dergaon Town
Assam

13th May 2022

Dear Ronit

Hope you are doing well. You may remember that my birthday is on the 16th May. I will be glad to have you in
my birthday party as you are one of my close friends. I have invited only our common friends and we will have
lots of fun throughout the day. Hope to see you in the morning of 16th May 2022 at my residence.

Yours lovingly
Joy
3.You are Miku/Mili of Sector 7, Pune. Your family has decided to celebrate your grandparents’ fiftieth
wedding anniversary. Invite your maternal cousin Nisha to be a part of the celebration and also to extend
her assistance for the arrangements needed.

Answer:

Sector 7
Pune

13 May 2022

Dear Nisha

I am immensely pleased to let you know that my grandparents are going to complete fifty years of married life
on 19th May 2022. To mark this significant day, our family has decided to host a traditional themed surprise
anniversary party for Grandpa and Grandma. Our family will be glad to have you in the celebration. Do arrive
at least a week before the anniversary so that we may plan together to arrange all necessary things as needed.
Together we can make the day special for both Grandpa and Grandma.

Yours lovingly
Mili

4.You are Animesh. Your childhood friend settled in US is in town for some official work. Invite him to
join your family for Diwali celebrations at your residence.
Answer:

21/2 Raj Apartments

Guwahati

13th October 2022

Dear Sameer

I have learnt that you are in Guwahati for some official work and will be here for a few more days. You know
that Diwali, the festival of lights is approaching. It gives me immense pleasure to invite you to celebrate this
Diwali with us. We shall have lots of fun. Do join us for the Puja and Diwali celebrations on 24 October 2022 at
5PM in my residence.

Yours sincerely
Animesh
 FORMAL REPLIES
1.You are Arjun /Aparna. Your school has been invited to participate in an inter-school On-the-spot
painting competition organised by the Lions Club of your district. As General Secretary of the Painting
Club of your school, respond to the invitation.
Answer:

D.N. Public School

Karnal

13 May, 2022

The President
Lions Club
Karnal

Subject: Acceptance of invitation.

Sir
This refers to your invitation to D.N. Public School to participate in the inter-school on-the- spot painting
competition on 15th May 2022 at 10 AM. The undersigned thanks Lions Club, Karnal for the invitation and
gladly confirms participation of their students in this interesting competition.

Yours sincerely
Aparna
General Secretary

2.You have received an invitation to be the judge of a literary competition in St. Mary’s School. Send a
reply in not more than 50 words confirming your acceptance. You are Tanu/Tasim.
Answer:

12, SK By-lane
Anil Nagar
Guwahati

13 May 2022

The Principal
St. Mary’s School
Guwahati

Subject: Acceptance of invitation

Madam
The undersigned would like to express his gratitude to St. Mary’s School for inviting him to judge the literary
competition on 18th May 2022 at 9 AM in the school. The undersigned hereby confirms his acceptance and
ensures to be present at the scheduled date and time.

Yours sincerely
Tasim
3. You are Prof. N. Dutta, a famous historian from Kurukshetra University. You have the honour of being
invited as the chief guest at a public function. However, due to sudden illness you are unable to attend the
same. Draft a suitable reply in about 50 words.
Answer:
Kurukshetra
Haryana

13 May 2022

The Secretary
Citizen’s Forum
Haryana

Subject: Inability to inaugurate seminar

Sir

Prof. N. Dutta expresses his thanks to the Secretary and members of the Citizens’ Forum for their kind invitation
to act as the chief guest at their public function to celebrate International Museum Day on 18th May 2022 at 9
AM. He regrets to his inability to attend the function due to his sudden illness this morning which has confined
him to bed. The inconvenience is highly regretted.

Yours sincerely
N. Dutta

4. As the Principal of a reputed college, you have been invited to inaugurate a Book Exhibition in your
neighbourhood. Draft a reply in not more than 50 words, expressing your inability to attend the function.
You are Mrs. Anuna Baruah.

ABC College
Golaghat, Assam

13 May 2022

The Secretary
Parijat Book Club
Golaghat

Subject: Inability to inaugurate the Book Exhibition

Sir
Mrs. Aruna Baruah expresses much gratitude to Parijat Book Club for the invitation to inaugurate the Book
Exhibition on 28th May 2022 at 10 AM. However, she regrets to inform that she would not be able to attend and
inaugurate the exhibition due to some prior engagement. Inconvenience caused is highly regretted.

Yours sincerely
Aruna Baruah
Principal
ABC College
 INFORMAL REPLIES

1. Your friend Juli has invited you to spend a week with her family in Tezpur after your Board exams.
Draft a reply in about 50 words accepting the invitation. You are Manisha from Nazira, Sibsagar.

Answer:
Nazira Town
Sibsagar

13 May 2022

Dear Juli

Thank you for your invitation to spend a week with your family in Tezpur. I will definitely visit you and spend
a few memorable days with your loving family. I am already excited to visit the historical and mythological sites
of the beautiful city with you and your sister. I will be at your place on 25th May 2022. Looking forward to have
a great time with you all.

Yours sincerely
Manisha

2. You are invited by your college friend Manoj to join him on a biking expedition to Tawang with a few
of your other classmates during your summer vacation. Draft a reply accepting his invitation in not more
than 50 words. You are Javed.

Answer:

Prashanti Colony
Jorhat

13th May 2022

Dear Manoj

I am pleased to receive your invitation to join you on the biking expedition to Tawang. I had always wanted to
visit the place and have heard much about its scenic beauty. I will be glad to join you all on the date and time
decided. I hope we all will have a great trip together.

Yours lovingly
Javed
3. You are Radhika. Your friend Tanjila invited you to attend a dinner party on her birthday. You have
a family wedding on the same day and won’t be able to join your friend for dinner. Draft a reply declining
the invitation in not more than 50 words.

Answer:

Zoo Chariali
Guwahati

13 May 2022

Dear Tanjila

I am happy to receive your invitation to the dinner party on your birthday. But unfortunately I will not be able
to attend the same as I have a family wedding in Jorhat the same day. Please excuse me this time. I will surely
visit you another day. Accept my best wishes for your birthday.

Yours lovingly
Radhika

4. You are Barsha. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend’s sister during summer
vacation. Respond to the invitation, regretting your inability to attend it.
Answer:

205, Vasant Kunj

New Delhi

13 May 2022

Dear Neha

Thank you for your cordial invitation on the occasion of your sister’s wedding. I, however, regret my inability
to be with you on this happy occasion as we shall be leaving for Shimla for summer holidays on 19 May, 2022.
Please excuse my absence. Do convey my regards and best wishes to the couple.

Yours lovingly
Barsha
 LETTER WRITING: -
Q. 1. You are Vomik/ Vani, a resident of M-204, Block-C, Dilshad Garden and an MBA from Amity
University. You come across an advertisement in The Times of India published by ICICI Bank, New
Delhi. Write an application for the post of Business development Manager followed by your complete
bio-data.
Ans.
M-204, Block-C
Dilshad Garden Delhi

13 May 2022

The Manager
ICICI Bank, New Delhi

Sir

Sub: Application for the post of Business Development Manager.

With reference to your advertisement published in ‘The Times of India’ dated 8th May 2022 inviting applications
for the position of Business Development Manager, I hereby offer my candidature for the same. I am a young,
dynamic and experienced person. My experience has taught me to build strong and healthy relationships at the
workplace to work smoothly. I have the ability to work in a team.
I am enclosing my bio-data herewith to enable you to make an assessment of my suitability for the post I have
applied for. In case my application is considered, I am available for the interview at any time suitable to you. If
selected, I assure you that I shall work with utmost dedication and sincerity to your full satisfaction. In
anticipation of a favourable response.
Yours faithfully

Vomik

Encl. Bio-data and other Testimonials

BIO-DATA
Name Vomik

Date of Birth 12 Jan 1994

Age 28 years

Sex Male
Marital Status Single

Nationality Indian
Permanent Address M-204, Block-C, Dilshad Garden

Contact No. 8695485699

Educational 1. M.B.A from Amity University (Year of passing 2017)

Qualifications 2. B.Com (Hons.) from Delhi University (Year of passing 2015)

3. 10+2 CBSE Board (Year of passing 2012)

Work Experience 1. Have been working as an Assistant Manager at HDFC Bank for 1 year
2. Worked as Business Executive at Axis Bank for 1 year

Hobbies Painting, Singing

1. Dr. Rajesh, Professor, Amity University

References
2. Mr. Anil Shai, Manager, HDFC Bank

Q. 2 Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to teach Political Science
for which they placed an advertisement in 'The Bhilai Express'. You are Sanjay / Sanjana Sharma from
21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a letter including a CV, applying for the advertised post.
Ans.
21, Vasant Marg
Bhilai

13 May 2022

The Principal
Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai

Sir/Madam

Subject: Application for the post of a post-graduate teacher.

In response to your advertisement in 'The Bhilai Express', dated May 8, 2022, for the post of a postgraduate
Political Science teacher in your renowned school, I wish to offer my candidature.
I have the requisite qualification and I am a dedicated person. With my knowledge, I will surely be able to add
value to your school. I am available for an interview on any day of your convenience. If given a chance to serve
you, I assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity and dedication up to your satisfaction for further growth
and fame of the organisation.

Yours faithfully
Sanjana Sharma

Encl.: Bio-data

BIO-DATA
Name Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma

Date of Birth 25 July 1994

Address 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai

Phone 9810085694
E-Mail [email protected]
Marital Status Unmarried

Age 28 years
Nationality Indian
Professional (i) Have been working as a PGT Political science in Modern School, Bhilai since
Experience April 2018 till date.

(i) B.ED (2019)

Academic
(ii) M.A. in Political Science (2017)
Qualifications
(iii) B.A in Political Science (2015)
Hobbies Trekking and reading

Good communication skills, computer literate, proficient in

Strengths English, Hindi and German

(i) Mr Vijay Mathur, Principal

D.A.V School, Gurudwara Rd. Delhi

Names and Address of
(ii) Prof. Satish Ohri
References
Dept.of Commerce
Punjab University,
Chandigarh
Q. 3. You see a classified advertisement in the newspaper inviting applications for the post of a Sales
Executive in a reputed bank. Write a letter with bio-data in about 120-150 words to the HR Manager,
HABC Bank, Lajpat Nagar New Delhi, applying for the post advertised. You are Avani/Aviral of
120, Kirti Nagar Delhi.
Ans.
120, Kirti Nagar
New Delhi

May 13, 2022

The HR Manager
HABC Bank
New Delhi

Sub: Application for the post of Sales Executive.

Sir

With reference to your advertisement published in your esteemed newspaper dated 10 May 2022, I would
like to offer my candidature for the post of Sales Executive. I am an MBA from SNDT University. I did
my B. Com from University of Delhi. I have a total experience of 3years in the relevant field. If given a
chance, I’ll try to do everything in my capability to company’s growth. I have attached my resume for your
kind consideration. Hope to get a positive reply from your side.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Avani/Aviral

RESUME
Name : Aviral Kumar Singh
Father’s Name : Mr. M.K. Soni
D.O.B : 09 Nov.1994
Contact No. : 9412054326
Address : 12, KirtiNagar,New Delhi
Nationality : Indian
Marital Status : Single
Qualification : M. Com (Delhi University)
Experience : 3 years
Professional Qualification : MBA from SNDT University
Hobbies : Painting, Music and Reading
Proficiency in other fields : Computers (Basic and Languages)
References : 1) Mr.ShubenduDhar
GM,Anupam Associates, New Delhi
 REPORT WRITING
Sample Report:1 (Report for News Paper)
FIRE IN FRONTIER MAIL CLAIMS 42 LIVES
By: Harpreet K Dang, Staff Correspondent
Ludhiana, 13th May 2022: When Naveen Chandra (21) boarded the Frontier Mail at Ludhiana Station today,
little did he know that he would be charred to death along with more than 40 others in a bizarre fire accident on
board the Amritsar bound Frontier Mail (Golden Temple Express) near Laddowal Railway Station, 8 kms from
here.
According to preliminary reports and eye-witness accounts, the fire started with the bursting of a stove in the
S-5 coach of the train and soon it spread to two other coaches. By the time emergency brakes brought the train
to a screaming halt, the raging inferno had claimed more than 40 lives, all victims of burns, suffocation, trauma
and trampling. Local villagers, railway men and fire tenders from Ludhiana, Phillaur, Phagwara and Jaiandhar
were busy bringing the fire under control.
Meanwhile, the injured, who number more than 250, have been admitted to DMC and CMC, Ludhiana. An
enquiry counter with phone number 0161—222222 has been established at Ludhiana Railway Station. Mr. C.K.
Hasija, the Divisional Commissioner, Railway Safety said, an enquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause
of the fire.
The next of kin of the dead will be given Rs. One Lakh each as compensation while each injured person will
get Rs. 10,000, he said. 10 women and 5 children are among those were dead. More details were awaited when
the report was filed.

Sample Report: 2 (Report for Magazine)

ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

By: Sakshi, XII A
The much-awaited Annual Day of our school was celebrated on 10th May 2022. The Deputy Director of
Education, Mrs. S. Muttu, was the Chief Guest.
First, Mrs. Sunita Sharma presented the programme and following the tradition of Indian Culture - Atithi Devo
Bhava - welcomed the distinguished guests. The Chief Guest lit the lamp. A tribute to Goddess Saraswati
marked the beginning of the programme. Manita Sharma, Senior most teacher, read the school report for the
year 2021 -22.
The cultural programme started with the Vande Mataram dance by Ruchi, a standard XII student. Lalita of
standard XI presented a beautiful poem about the value of trees. Yogasanas were presented by the students,
which won the heart of everyone. The problem of pollution was well presented by Anita and her group of
standard VII girls.
The Chief Guest Mrs. S. Muttu distributed the prizes to meritorious students and sports students. She also
appreciated and blessed the students. She encouraged us to take our school to greater heights. She emphasized
the need for ethics, good conduct and proper understanding of our rich culture and told the students to be creative
and enthusiastic.
The event ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Subhalaxmi followed by the National Anthem. Celebrating our
Annual Day was fun!
Q1. You are Ashima/Akshit. The Women Empowerment Organisation (WEO) in collaboration with Child
and Women Care Society (CWCS), celebrated The Women Empowerment Day recently in Community
centre, Pocket B, Rohini. As the city correspondent, write a report in 120-150 words for the city magazine,
The Today.
Ans.
Women’s Empowerment Day Observed --Ashima, Staff Reporter

New Delhi, March 3: The Women Empowerment Organisation (WEO) in association with Child and Women
Care Society (CWCS), both NGOs, observed the Women Empowerment Day at Community centre, Pocket B,
Rohini today. The main purpose was to create awareness of Women’s rights and to empower women.
Members of fifty Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed by WEO and CWCS in the area participated in the
programme. The programme began with a welcome dance by the renowned dancer, Shobha Advait and was
followed by a talk by Ms. Shefali Gupta, Deputy Director of WEO.
Ms. Aradhna Srivastava, District Magistrate, Rohini, stressed upon the importance of education for girls. She
also gave details about the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (Education for All), an initiative by the Government under
which students are given books free of cost. Ms. Radhika, the Director of WEO gave a speech detailing the
various free classes organized by the society to teach young girls painting and soft toy making, which could be
developed for self-employment. She also made the audience aware about the need for women’s safety and the
various free defence classes organized by the organization.
Dr.Aniket, State Coordinator, CWCS, made the gathering aware of the importance of observing Women‘s Day
and informed the women about various governmental schemes to help and empower them. Later, a play named
‘Narishakti ‘was staged. A total of 1500 people participated in the function. The participants expressed their
gratitude to the organizers as they were now better informed.
Q 2. You are Rohit/Rohita./You witnessed Republic day Celebration at your School, Army
Public School Agra. Write a report in about 120 to 150 words to be published in The Indian
Express.
Ans.
Army Public School Agra Celebrates Republic Day
By- Rohit/Rohita
Agra, 27 Jan, 2022 -On the auspicious morning of 26th Jan, Army School Agra celebrated Republic Day
in the school premises. Brigadier AK Khanna was the Chief Guest of the day He was warmly welcomed by
the whole staff led by Principal.

The Hon'ble Chief guest unfurled the National flag. After that, everybody stood straight for the National Song
sung by the students. Then there was a parade by NCC cadets of the school. After this, students presented
cultural items. These cultural items included patriotic songs, folk dances and speeches. Then there were
speakers who through their speeches invoked the precious contribution of great freedom fighters.
Q3. Delhi Public School Gandhinagar recently organized a science symposium on the topic: 'Effect of
pollution on quality of life'. You are Sumit/Sumita, editor of the school magazine. Write a report on the
event for your school magazine. (120 – 150 words)

Ans:
Science Symposium at Delhi Public School, Gandhinagar
-By Sumit, Editor, School magazine
A symposium was organised on 8th May, 2022 in Delhi Public School, Gandhinagar on the topic, Effect of
Pollution on Quality of Life. The event started with the felicitation of the guest speakers. Thereafter, the
participants were espoused by Sh. Suraj Prakash. He acquainted them with the objectives and goals of the
workshop. The resource person, Dr. Hari Om Gupta, reflected his profound knowledge on the topic and
highlighted how important it is to curb the menace of pollution. An exalting demonstration of effects of pollution
on our lives galvanized the engrossed participants. Dr. K.K. Arora, Resource Person, exhibited the possible steps
that can be undertaken at the personal level to reduce pollution.

An interactive concourse ignited the inquisitiveness of participants. They have committed themselves completely
to bring about a change in the situation. The informative workshop culminated with a vote of thanks proposed
by the Head of the college.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:

Q1. You are Naresh/Neetu, a press reporter. Recently the railways cancelled a few trains due to floods.
Passengers were stranded at the New Delhi Railway station. Write a report for your newspaper in about
120 - 150 words highlighting the problems faced by the passengers.
Hints:
1. More than thousand passengers on the platform.
2. Total Chaos.
3. No authentic information available.
4. Inadequate food, tea and baby milk.
5. Road travel very expensive.
6. No electricity.
7. Unhygienic condition.

Q2: You are Aman/ Anita, Students’ representative of your school and attended a seminar on the
importance of Blood Donation, organized by the All-India Medical Institute, New Delhi. Write a report
on the seminar in not more than 120 -150 words for your school magazine.
Hints:
1. Seminar on Blood Donation on (Date) at (Venue) organized by ____
2. Eminent doctors, students and social workers from different cities participated
3. Need of stringent laws to curb commercial blood banks from operating
4. Need to spread awareness about safe blood donation
5. To educate people about AIDS menace and their duty towards society
 6. Students are urged to make blood donation a mass movement by involving youngsters and the common
people

Q3: You are Prakrit/ Pranita. As a responsible citizen you have organized a campaign on ‘Say No to Child
Labour’ in your locality. Write a report on the campaign in about 120 – 150 words for publication in a
magazine.

Q4: You are Vineet / Veena, a resident of Sector 4, Rohini. The incidents of theft and burglary have been
increasing in your colony. Recently the residents of your colony held a meeting where in people talked
about the growing need of security and the measures to be adopted to secure people and property. Write
a report about the meeting in about 120 -150 word for publication in a newspaper/ monthly journal.

Q5: As a special correspondent of Herald Times, prepare a report for your newspaper on an accident
between a private car and a truck that claimed three lives on the spot and as a result there was chaos and
confusion on the road. You are Akash/ Ankita. (120 -150 words)

Q6: Recently there was flood in Assam causing a great loss of lives and property. Write a report for a
national daily in about 120 -150 words. You are Ritesh / Ritika, a staff reporter.

Q7: To promote proficiency in spoken English, the Principal of DAV Public School, Dehradun organized
a workshop in which professionals and experts from the British School of Languages effectively taught
spoken English through Computers & other aids during the Winter Break. As the coordinator of the
school, write a report for the school magazine. (120 -150 words)

Q8: As staff reporter of a local daily, prepare a report for your newspaper on the final match of Indian
Premier League (IPL) between Mumbai Indian Vs Delhi Capitals. Include all necessary details. (120 – 150
words)
 SECTION D (LITERATURE)
THE RATTRAP
Q1. What did the gift of the rattrap signify?
OR
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Ans: Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler as he had respected her trust in him. Edla had retained
him in her house even after knowing his real identity and he, in turn, had shown her that the guest she had
honoured was as honourable as the captain. The gift i.e. a small rattrap also connotes an affirmation of his
redemption and reformation. The latent goodness of his heart had been awakened and he had been able to
overcome the bait of the rattrap.

Q2. Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap?

Ans: The world had never been kind to the peddler. He never got any pleasure or comfort from his life. So it
gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it by comparing it to a rattrap. It became his cherished pastime to think of
people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and of others who were still circling
around the bait in the rattrap.

Q3. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Ans: Edla Willman’s son had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated him with the honour that was due
to a Captain even though she knew that he was not one. The peddler, through this mistaken identity, got an
opportunity to raise himself and get above the petty temptations of the world. He wanted to affirm through that
letter that he was a changed man. So, he signed himself as Captain von Stahle.

Q4. In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler?

Ans: The peddler compares the whole world with its lands, seas, cities and villages to a big rattrap. He says it
only exists to set baits for people. If offers riches and joys, shelter, food and clothing as the rattrap offers cheese
and pork and as soon as anyone lets himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closes on him and then everything
comes to an end.

Q5. Why was the crofter happy when the peddler knocked on his door?
OR
How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage?
OR
Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage?

Ans: The crofter was a lonely man living in his cottage without a wife, a child. So, he desperately needed a
companion to talk to his heart’s content. He felt very happy when the peddler knocked on his door. He welcomed
him and treated him in the most kind and hospitable manner. He served him supper, shared his tobacco and
played game of cards before going to bed.

Q6. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Ans: The peddler was moved by Edla’s kind and hospitable manner. Her empathetic approach and friendly
gesture served as catalysis for change in him. She treated him like a Captain in spite of knowing his real identity.
This awakened the latent goodness of his heart because he wanted to show Edla, he was worthy of the honour
she had given him. So he finally changed his ways.

Q7. Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof?

Ans: When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain Nils Olof, an old regimental comrade, the stranger
decides not to correct him as hopes to get a couple of kroners from the ironmaster. So, he does not want to
undeceive him all at once.

Q8. Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away?

Ans: Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away as it was Christmas eve and she wanted to keep
the spirit of Christmas alive. Also, she justified her demand by saying that they had invited him against his will.
So, it would be cruel and unfair on their part to drive him away. A kind and noble lady, she wanted to provide
the vagabond with a day of comfort and peace and make the day special for him since he was a poor and lonely
man having noone to care for him.

Q9. Why did the crofter show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter was too happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness so he was generous with his confidences
with the peddler. He went on to tell the peddler that he had earned as much as thirty kronors by selling milk to
the creamery. When the stranger seemed incredulous of his claim, the crofter took down a leather pouch hanging
on a nail near the window and showed the thirty kroner notes to the peddler.

Q11. Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by
understanding and love.
OR
Edla is able to bring about a change of heart in the peddler. Justify this with reference to the story, ‘The
Rattrap’. What qualities helped her bring about this transformation?

Ans: The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material
gains. However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential human goodness. The
peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to
him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s invitation
also. But Edla Willman son’s compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his nature. Her
human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The
peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap due to the
sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willman son that was able to bring out his basic human
goodness.

Q12. How does the story, 'Rattrap' highlight the importance of community over isolation? Support your
rationale with textual evidence.
 OR
The story ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain.

Ans: The main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is on human loneliness. All the characters, whether it is the
peddler, the crofter, the ironmaster or his daughter, suffer from loneliness. The peddler is a lonely man who has
always been shunned by society’s cold and unkind words. When he knocks at the door of the old crofter’s cottage
he does not expect hospitality but the crofter welcomes him as he is too happy to get someone to talk to after
being alone for so long. By serving the peddler the crofter is in fact serving himself. He serves the peddler with
supper, gives him tobacco and plays ‘mjolis’ with him. He proves to be a very good host. The ironmaster and
his daughter too miss company and this makes them all the lonelier on the occasion of Christmas. So the
ironmaster, who mistakes the peddler for his old regimental comrade, invites him to his manor house for
Christmas. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, extends this invitation again and tells the peddler he can leave any
time after Christmas. Thus, the need to bond is the main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’.

Q13. How Does the Metaphor of the Rattrap Serve to Highlight the Human Predicament?

Ans: The peddler used the metaphor of rattrap throughout the story. It signified that the world is a rattrap and
we as mice, are provided with the baits of wealth, emotions, and other human pleasures. The ones who get lured
by this greed end up being captured in the shackles of the world and cannot escape it forever. The entire world
runs blindly behind the pursuits of these pleasures and forgets to enjoy what life can offer them. The writer
focuses on making the reader realize that material pursuits are not the only things we should run after. Sometimes
we should just slow down to enjoy the small gifts that life presents us that can leave a deep impact on us. The
peddler, despite his negative outlook towards the world, is moved by the kindness of Edla.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:

Q1. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Q2. If the world is “nothing but a big rattrap” as the tramp stated in the story ‘The Rattrap’, who might
the rattrap peddler be? Discuss.

Q3. Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations. What would you attribute
this to? Explain with reference to any instance from the text.

Q4. Do you think the story reinforces a stereotype that women are more trusting, forgiving and less
practical than men? Comment with reference to Edla’s actions in the story.

Q5. What might be the significance of setting the story’s events during Christmas? Justify your opinion.

Q6. How would you compare the peddler’s actions in relation to the crofter and Edla? Would you say
kindness does not always beget kindness, and that the conditions for receiving kindness are important for
it to truly transform people? Elaborate. Provide relevant textual details to support the analysis.

Q7. Imagine that you overheard the following snippet of an interaction between the valet and the
housekeeper at the ironmaster’s mansion at the end of the story.
Speaker 1 - Trust is a difficult choice, which may or may not be rewarded.
 Speaker 2 – Yes, indeed. Ms. Willmansson really believed in that fellow, didn’t she? And he didn’t
disappoint. She was so happy reading his letter, oh her tears of joys filled my heart with so much
admiration for her. Such a kind, wonderful young lady.
Speaker 1 – Absolutely. But I wonder, what if that vagabond had run away with the silver spoons?
Would you speak so glowingly of Ms. Willmansson then? Our master’s daughter was a bit too
gullible. Wouldn’t you say?
Speaker 2 – But she did what was right. That must count for something. It’s Christmas, and she
helped that poor man. It didn’t matter what he did. Surely the choice of right and wrong does not
depend on the outcome.
Speaker 1 – Wouldn’t it? I should jolly well think so. How would you respond to the questions
raised in this conversation in relation to the story? Write your response in the form of an entry in
your daily journal.

INDIGO (PROSE)
Q.1. Why did Rajkumar Shukla want to take Gandhi to Champaran?

Ans. Rajkumar Shukla was a poor sharecropper from Champaran. He was illiterate but resolute. He wanted to
solve the condition of the poor sharecroppers of Champaran. Someone guided him that Gandhiji was a great
advocate and he could help him. So, he went to Gandhiji to take to Champaran.

Q.2. Instead of going to Champaran, Gandhi went to Muzzafarpur. Give a valid reason.

Ans.- Shukla had already poured information about the troubles of the poor peasants. But Gandhi wanted to
obtain more information about conditions than Shukla was capable of imparting. So, he sent a telegram to Prof.
J.B. Kripalani. He came at the station with his students. Gandhi stayed for two days at the house of Prof. Malkani.
Muzzafarpur lawyers too called on Gandhi to brief him.

Q.3. Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers?

Ans.- Gandhiji came to know about the plight of poor peasants of Champaran. He was told that Muzzaffarpur
lawyers frequently represented peasant groups in court. Gandhiji chided them for collecting big fee from the
sharecroppers. After his chiding the lawyers realised that it was shameful for them not to help peasants as Gandhi
being a stranger was ready even to go to jail for the peasants.

Q.4. How did Mahatma Gandhi teach us a lesson in self-reliance?

Ans. C.F. Andrews, a friend from South Africa days came to render help. But Gandhiji, as part of civil
disobedience, refused bail offered by the Magistrate. He implored Andrew’s to leave for Fiji, which he did.
Gandhiji didn’t want Indians to appear leaning on Britishers on this struggle.

Q.5. What was the outcome of four protracted interviews Gandhi had with Lieutenant-Governor?
Ans.-In June, Gandhi was summoned to Sir Edward Gait, the Lieutenant Governor. He had four protracted
interviews with him. He took up the cause of the sharecropper of Champaran with him. As a result, a commission
of inquiry was set up to investigate the plight of the indigo sharecroppers; Gandhi was the sole representative of
the peasants.

Q.6. How did Shukla succeed in persuading Gandhiji to visit Champaran?

Ans.: Rajkumar Shukla wanted Gandhiji to visit Champaran to take up the cause of sharecroppers there. Gandhiji
told Shukla that he had an appointment in Kanpur. He was also committed to going to other parts of India. Shukla
followed Gandhiji to the ashram. He went to Calcutta when Gandhiji arrived there. Gandhiji was impressed by
his tenacity and story. They boarded the train for Patna.

Q.7. How did Kasturba Gandhi help the people of Champaran?

Ans.: Kasturba joined with Gandhi for the social upliftment of the people of Champaran. She taught the ashram
rules on personal cleanliness and community sanitation. She talks to village women about the reason behind their
dirty clothes so that she could bring some improvement.

Q.8. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers?

Ans.: The landlords had illegally and deceitfully extorted money from the sharecroppers. They feared that
Gandhi would demand repayment of money in full. He asked only 50 percent and there he seemed firm. Then
the planters offered to refund 25 percent of the money. Gandhi agreed. Gandhi explained that the amount of the
refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been obliged to surrender part of the money and,
with it, part of their prestige.

Q.9. How did Gandhiji use Satyagraha and Non-violence of Champaran to achieve his goal?

Ans.- Satyagraha means “insistence on truth” or holding onto truth. It is a particular form of nonviolent resistance
or civil resistance. The term Satyagraha was coined and developed by Mahatma Gandhi. He used Satyagraha in
Champaran of Bihar. Champaran district was divided into estate owned by English people. Indians were only
tenant farmers. Landlords compelled tenants to plant 15% of their land with indigo and surrender their entire
harvest as rent. In the meantime, Germany had developed synthetic indigo. British landlords free the Indian
farmers from the 15% arrangement but asked them to pay compensation for freeing their land. Mahatma Gandhi’s
long and heroic struggle ended with the victory of the Civil Disobedience and Satyagraha. The English landlords
were compelled to return 25% of the money they had extorted from the sharecroppers.

Q.10. What did Gandhi do to improve the cultural and social backwardness of the Champaran villages?
Give a reasoned answer.

Ans.- No doubt, largely political and economic issues were important. But Gandhi’s approach was
comprehensive. It was not enough to fight against the officials and the government. The equally important task
was to do something to improve the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages. First of all,
Gandhi stressed education. He appealed for teachers. Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh were two young
persons. They and their wives volunteered themselves for the work. Several more came from Bombay, Poona
and other parts of India. Gandhi’s son Devdas also joined them. Kasturba Gandhi too came from the ashram.
Primary schools were opened in six villages of Champaran. Kasturba taught the ashram rules on cleanliness and
sanitation.
Health conditions in the villages were really miserable. Gandhi got a doctor to volunteer his services for six
months. To start with, only three medicines were available, Castor oil, quinine and Sulphur ointment. He asked
Kasturba to take up the cause of women and talk to them about their issues. So, Gandhi tried his best to do
something to improve the cultural and social backwardness of the villagers in Champaran.

Q.11. Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for
independence?

Ans.- The Champaran episode was one of the main events in the struggle for independence. It was in the course
of this small but significant movement that Gandhiji decided to urge the departure of the British from India. A
close examination of the problems of the Champaran peasants opened Gandhiji’s eyes to the unjust policies of
the British. He realised that people had to be made free from fear and only then could they be freed from foreign
oppression. The spontaneous demonstration of the people proved that Gandhiji had the nation’s support in his
fight against the Britishers. It also aroused patriotism in the heart of the Indians. The triumph of the civil
disobedience at Champaran motivated the launching of the movement on a large scale during the freedom
struggle. Gandhiji’s winning the case of the sharecroppers proved that the British authority could be challenged.
Hence, the Champaran episode served as a stepping stone to the Indian struggle for independence.

Q.12. Describe how, according to Louis Fischer, Gandhiji succeeded in his Champaran campaign.

Ans.- The Champaran campaign was an attempt to free the poor peasants of Champaran from injustice and
exploitation at the hands of the Britishers. Gandhiji succeeded in this campaign using his method of satyagraha
and non-violence. He visited Muzaffarpur to obtain complete information about the actual condition of the
sharecroppers. He first appealed to the concerned authorities, but when there was no positive response, he
organised a mass civil disobedience movement with the support of the peasants Gandhiji’s main objective was
to remove the fear of the British landlords from the heart of the poor peasants and mould a new free Indian, who
could participate in the freedom movement of the country. He made the peasants aware of their rights and gave
them a new-found confidence for fighting their own battles. He also taught them to be self-reliant by refusing to
take the help of CF Andrews, his English friend.

Q.13. Our scriptures tell us that determination and perseverance are cardinal virtues of good human
being. Rajkumar Shukla succeeded in taking Gandhiji to Champaran with the help of these two. How can
young students today use these two qualities to make successful careers for themselves?

Ans.- Determination is your decision to do something against all odds. Perseverance is to keep doing something
for the time needed to achieve your goal no matter how long or difficult the path is. No wonder these two qualities
should be the mantra for young students to make a successful career for themselves. If there is one quality one
personal trait that is most correlated with success it is the trait of persistence the ability to endure once seemed a
hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. Determination and perseverance give us hope that the righteous
suffer to other failure except that of giving up and no longer trying.
Q.14. Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The poor indigo farmers were exploited by the British
landlords to which Gandhiji objected. Even after our independence we find exploitation of unorganised
labour. What values do we learn from Gandhiji campaign to counter the present-day problems of
exploitation?

Ans.- Gandhiji’s campaign in Champaran is relevant even in the present day to counter the problems of
exploitation What we must keep in mind is to teach the oppressed to be courageous. Unless the
overcome the fear within them, they will never be able to fight for their rights. Therefore, priority has to be given
to empowering and making the labour class bold and fearless and to give them the
courage to oppose Injustice and exploitation. Another thing we must remember is to focus not on the problems
but on the solution of the problems. We must possess a humanitarian approach and should be ready to brave
hardship with non-violence, patience and perseverance. Only then can we overcome the present-day problems
of exploitation.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:

Q1. The peasants were themselves the most crucial agents in the success of the Champaran Civil
Disobedience. Expand.
Q2. Gandhi makes it clear that money and finance are a secondary aspect of the struggle in Champaran.
Comment on aspect that you think was most important for Gandhi.
Q3. Gandhi was a lawyer himself. Examine how his professional expertise helped in Champaran. iv
Explain the possible reasons for Gandhi’s quick popularity among the peasants of Champaran.
Q4. Imagine Gandhi were to deliver a speech to students in present day India showing them the path to
becoming responsible world leaders. Based on your understanding of Gandhi’s own leadership skills,
write a speech, as Gandhi, addressing the students about the qualities that every leader and politician
should nurture. Dear students, you are all leaders of social change. I see many bright and enthusiastic
faces that assure me that our future is in good hands. I have learnt from my own
experience……………(continue)………….
Q5. Let us assume it was Rajendra Prasad who informed Charles Freer Andrews of Gandhi’s decision
and the reasons for other leaders’ support of him. Thinking creatively of how Andrews would have
responded and pen down the discussion you think would have taken place between Rajendra Prasad and
Andrews.

A THING OF BEAUTY – JOHN KEATS (POETRY)

1.Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”
 i) How does a thing of beauty give us everlasting joy?
Ans: A thing of beauty gives us everlasting joy because its loveliness increases with time.
ii) What is the impact of increase in its loveliness?
Ans: The impact of increase in its loveliness is that it gives a peaceful sleep, provides good health
and allows quiet breathing.
iii) Which one example of the beauty of nature has the poet given here?
Ans: The example of the beauty of nature the poet has given here is a quiet bower.
iv) What kind of joy do we get from a quiet bower?
Ans: We get restful sleep full of sweet dreams, good health and quiet breathing from a quiet bower.
v) How does the joy from a quiet bower help us in our lives?
Ans: A quiet bower gives us the joy of peace and health. This joy brings us closer to nature and keeps
us positive throughout our lives.
vi) What figure of speech is used in these lines?
Ans: Metaphor and anaphora.
2.Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:
“……… and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mild forest brake,
Rich with the sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;..”

i) Identify the poem and the poet.

Ans: A Thing of Beauty by John Keats.
ii) What is the role of the clear rills?
Ans: Clear rills make the earth fertile for plants to grow. As a result, they pave a way for shady places
where travellers can rest.
iii) How has the mild forest brake become rich?
Ans: The mild forest brake became rich with fair musk-roses blooming in them. The richness
mentioned here is of colour, fragrance and beauty.
iv) Identify the figure of speech in “cooling covert”?
Ans: Alliteration.
v) How do the lines relate to the theme of the poem from which it is taken?
Ans: The given lines present us with the beautiful bounty of nature which brings peace and joy to all
living beings. The idea of beauty is the central theme of the poem and these lines reiterate it.

3. Do we experience things of beauty only for a short moment or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Ans: Things of beauty make a lasting impression on us as they are a source of pleasure and motivation
forever. The happiness they give never fades away but keeps on increasing. Thus, all things of beauty are a
source of eternal joy.

4. What does the line “Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth” suggest to you?
 Ans: This line suggests to us that every day we weave a wreath of flowers because it keeps us attached to the
beauties of the earth. Such attachments fill one up with the spirit of living.

5. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort?

Ans: A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort in many ways. It is like a bower, a place under the shade of
a tree where we can rest. The small streams of cool and clear water and green forests around make it a comfortable
place for us to rest. Thus, it gives us sweet dreams, peace and joy.

6. List the things that cause suffering and pain according to the poet of the poem “A Thing of Beauty”

Ans: There are many things that cause us pain and suffering. Malice and disappointment are the biggest source
of our suffering. Another one is the lack of noble qualities. Our unhealthy and evil ways also give birth to many
troubles. They dampen our spirits and cover our lives with sadness.

7. How would man suffer in the absence of beauty?

Ans: In the absence of beauty, man would suffer from sorrow and despair. It would be difficult for him to bounce
back and he would have nothing to look forward to or draw strength from. Beauty lifts the pall of sadness and
rejuvenates him. It lifts his spirits and fills his life with liveliness and hope.

8. What does a thing of beauty do for us?

Ans: A thing of beauty adds endless joy to our lives and helps us overcome sorrow, gloom and hopelessness.
The memory of such a thing can be a source of never-ending happiness. It not only provides a pleasant and quiet
place to relax, but also makes life worth living, in spite of despondence, inhuman dearth of noble natures, gloomy
days, unhealthy and over-darkened ways.

9. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Ans: Human beings love life in spite of all the troubles and sufferings they face because of all the things of
beauty that surround them. These things remove our despondent state and allow us to enjoy the beauty of nature.

10. What makes human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face?

Ans: Human beings love life in spite of all the troubles and sufferings they face because of all the things of
beauty that surround them. These things remove our despondent state and allow us to enjoy the beauty of nature.

11. According to Keats, what spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed?

Ans: Keats says that there is general grief on this earth. Man’s life is full of disappointment and sadness. It
appears as if a shroud of disappointment is spread over our dark spirits. It is only some or the other things of
beauty that removes this pall of despondence.

12. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Ans: Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and a source of joy. Such objects of nature are the sun, the moon,
old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, masses of fern in the middle of the forests
and the blooming of musk roses with heavenly aroma.

13.Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
Ans: Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and a source of joy. Such objects of nature are the sun, the moon,
old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, masses of fern in the middle of the forests
and the blooming of musk roses with heavenly aroma.

14. What rich bounty has the heaven given us?

Ans: Heaven has given us many bounties. Nature, with its virgin landscape and innocent creatures including the
sun, moon, sheep, trees, rills, daffodils, quiet bowers, musk-rose blooms, etc. impart indelible impressions of
joyful experiences. The world of art and literature provides perennial inspiration in the form of stories of the
valiant, which give us strength and courage.

15. How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty?

Ans: The ‘mighty dead’ refers to our glorious forefathers and ancestors who are an eternal source of beauty that
finds mention in the poem. This is so because the stories of their heroic deeds, their valour and mausoleums fill
us with pride and give us pleasure and motivation.

16. Why is grandeur associated with the “mighty dead”?

Ans: ‘Mighty dead’ are those people who sacrificed their lives for the sake of general good of mankind. Now
they are lying in their graves. They are our forefathers and we have proud stories to tell about their bravery and
they way they left this earth. The poet says that on the day of judgement, they will be rewarded by God Himself
for their noble deeds. It is this grandeur or dignity that is associated with ’mighty dead’.

17. What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink
immortal?

Ans: Keats considers nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls its drink immortal as the
pleasure and delight it gives, never diminishes. It only increases with time. Beauty is like the elixir of life.

18. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Ans: The poet says that there are a number of things that make the earth beautiful. These things are like a fountain
of immortal drink which is pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

19. If we were given an opportunity to share your perception of beauty, what would you say? Explain.
Ans: Beauty for me is something that brings everlasting joy and happiness. It has a healing power that makes
one forget all the sorrows of life. For me everything that surrounds us is beautiful, but finding this beauty lies in
the eyes of the beholder. The concept of beauty can be different for everyone. One can even find beauty in the
unwanted weeds or the humming of the bees if they want to.

20. “Beauty is best left undefined.” Support your position on this statement with your rationale, coupled
with ideas in the poem.

Ans: It is true that beauty is best left undefined because the concept of beauty is unique for everyone. There are
so many concepts, ideas, and sources of beauty that it cannot be conceptualized or defined under one quality or
aspect. One concrete thing that can, however, be said of beauty is that it is permanent and has healing qualities.
It never dies away, but it brings peace, happiness, and joy in the lives of people.

21. Artists, singers and musicians have a different perception of beauty as compared to people who are in
other professions. Comment.

Ans: It is true that the concept of beauty differs for each individual. An artist can experience the feelings
associated with beauty while looking at a scenery which can act as an inspiration to them. In contrast, for singers
or musicians, beauty can be achieved with perfect melody which brings a peak experience or an epiphany. Beauty
is something that we perceive and respond to. It brings a kind of experience, an aesthetic response, that is a
response to the thing’s representational qualities, whether it is natural or man-made.

22. ‘A Thing of Beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what John Keats says in the poem. Do you think in the
present times of acute stress and anxiety, proximity to beautiful things can lead man to everlasting
happiness? Discuss.

Ans: A thing of beauty gives us never-ending happiness. When we look at objects of beauty, we feel a sense of
happiness, peace and fulfilment. The lasting impression that such objects leave on our mind continue to give us
pleasure even when they are no longer in our sight.
In the present times of acute stress and anxiety, the objects of beauty attain even greater significance. When our
mind is anxious and troubled, the very sight of beautiful things often comes as a relief and provides us with
comfort and happiness for the moment.
Appreciating beautiful things is like appreciating God, who has bestowed them upon mankind as a gift so that
we can derive happiness and solace from them. Proximity to beautiful things brings us close to the Creator, in
whom lies the ultimate power to grant us relief from all anxieties and troubles. Therefore, it is sure to bring
everlasting happiness at all times.

23. How does a thing of beauty bring joy to our lives?

Ans: In the poem “A Thing of Beauty”, the poet dramatically explains the impact of beauty on the soul. According
to the poet, beauty heals the negative impulses of our lives. It relieves us from being weighed down by worldly
worries. A thing of beauty is a source of never-ending happiness. When we look at objects of beauty, we feel a
sense of happiness, peace and fulfilment. The lasting impression that such objects leave on our mind continue to
give us pleasure even when they are no longer in our sight. In the present times of acute stress and anxiety, the
objects of beauty attain even greater significance. When our mind is anxious and troubled, the very sight of
beautiful things often comes as a relief and provides us with comfort and happiness for the moment. Appreciating
beautiful things is like appreciating God, who has bestowed them upon mankind as a gift so that we can derive
happiness and solace from them. Proximity to beautiful things gives us mental peace and makes us happy. Its
value lies in its impact on us and the fact that it never breeds a sense of emptiness. It will not diminish with the
passage of time
.
24. Explain the phrase ‘An endless fountain of immortal drink’.

Ans: The above-mentioned line is taken from John Keats’ immortal verse “A Thing of Beauty”. The poem is
based on the premise that beauty is everlasting, as it creates an eternal joy in the beholder. It is an endless fountain
of joy that is continuously gifted to us mankind from God.
The poet here says these words in order to explain the nature of the pleasure and joy that is created when a
beautiful object is seen by the beholder. He affirms the truth that beauty is not ephemeral, but eternal. The
pleasure we receive in perceiving a beautiful object is a gift that is worth treasuring, as the joy removes the gloom
in our minds. Even when we are surrounded by the evils or sad times, the images of beauty fill us with bliss and
joy.

25. You are a blogger who loves to record stories on art, music, culture and education. You recently visited
an art exhibition by students of Sunshine Elementary School. Pen down a post for your blog focusing
on the necessity of art education among younger children. Supplement your writing with Keats’ ideas
about beauty.

Ans: Keats had correctly said – “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

That is how I felt when I attended Melange – the art exhibition of Sunshine Elementary School yesterday. The
tiny-tots of the school put up their art work for exhibition and the school authorities were kind enough to open it
to the general public. The enthusiasm of the children regarding their work was contagious. It filled the room with
excitement and the light of their innocence. Maybe that is what beauty does to us. It lights up our lives, and takes
away all traces of negativity.
Another reason, this initiative by the school authorities is praise-worthy because, they did so in order to teach
students how beauty can be a source of happiness and fulfilment in difficult times, as all of us are trying to
overcome the harsh conditions that COVID-19 has made us experience in the past couple of years. This
exhibition started as a back-to-school activity for children and turned into an educational experience for all ages.
I am quoting Keats again here – “Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth/ Of noble natures, of the gloomy
days, / Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways / Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, / Some shape
of beauty moves away the pall.” This exhibition by these little children did move away the pall and its warmth
will keep lingering in our minds forever.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:

Q1. What is the cause of our ‘gloomy days’ and ‘dark spirits’?
Q2. What does the line ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest?
Q3. What rich bounty has heaven given us?
Q4. How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life?
Q5. How do the ‘daffodils’ and ‘clear rills’ enrich our environment?

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers (POETRY)

Q.1: What is the theme of the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers?

Ans.: The theme of the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is repression of women in marital relationship. The poem
subtly underlines the marital woes of women in the male dominated society through the character of an elderly
Aunt whose talent is repressed by her husband.

Q. 2: What do the tigers embroidered by Aunt Jennifer symbolise?

Ans.: The tigers embroidered by Aunt Jennifer symbolise fearlessness. It is the fearlessness that Aunt Jennifer
lacks as well as desires I order to get rid of the tyrannical behaviour of her husband.

Q.3: What is suggested by the phrase, “massive weight of Uncle’s wedding ring”?

Ans.: The image of the “massive weight of Uncle’s wedding ring” suggests that Aunt Jennifer is not happy in
her married life. The marriage has become so much burdensome for her that even a small ring sits like massive
weight on her finger.

Q4: Comment on the predicament of married women in general all on the basis of your reading of this
poem.

Ans.: It is a well know fact that the society is largely dominated y males all over the world ad the predicament
of married women is pathetic I most of the cases even in twenty first century. Everywhere there is discrimination
on the basis of gender and they are largely marginalised. Their male counterparts exercise their power and
authority to suppress and exploit them, as is the case of Aunt Jennifer I this poem. She is so terrified with her
husband that she can not even practice a simple hobby of embroidery without fear. Her fingers are fluttering
owing to her fear of her husband. We generally think that it is only in some of the Asian and African countries
that females do not have equal rights. However, Adrienne Rich’s preset piece of writing depicts vividly that eve
I western society, the picture is not very much different. All across the globe women are suppressed and they are
not allowed to say their minds or practice what they feel like doing.

Q.5: What is the central idea Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers?

Ans.: The central idea of the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is to show the pathetic condition of married women
in the male dominated society through the character of an elderly Aunt whose talent is suppressed by her husband.

Q. 6: Why does Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider only tigers on the cloth?

Ans.: Aunt Jennifer chooses to embroider tigers on the cloth the cloth because the tigers embroidered by her
symbolise fearlessness. It is the fearlessness that Aunt Jennifer lacks and that is why she wants to express her
suppresses feelings I form of art.
Q.7: Why are the fingers of Aunt Jennifer fluttering?

Ans.: The fingers of Aunt Jennifer fluttering because she is very much terrified by her husband. It seems that her
husband does not allow her to practice her hobby and tortures her.

Q.8: What are the mainn symbols used by Adrienne Rich?

Ans.: The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is rich with symbols. The tigers embroidered by her symbolise
fearlessness, courage and bravery. They are prancing in a fearless fashion just in contrast with the meek and
submissive existence of Aunt Jennifer. Similarly, the wedding ring of her husband is a symbol of her burdensome
marriage and the ordeals she was faced with because of her marriage to a typical male who represses her talent.
On the other hand Aunt herself is the symbol of submissive, fearful and repressed women who ever raise their
voice against their exploitation on their own and always need someone else or some medium of art to give vent
to their feelings. She is so terrified with her husband that she can not even practice a simple hobby of embroidery
without fear. Her fluttering fingers are also symbolic of her of her husband. Thus the poem is replete with so
may symbols that suggest the condition of women in this patriarchal society.

Q.9: How does the poet define Aunt Jennifer’s tigers?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen and they are of bright yellow colour. They are the denizens
of a world of green. They do not fear the men beneath the tree. They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

Q.10: What kind of ordeals is Aunt surrounded by?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer was weak and timid. Perhaps she was dominated by her husband and left with her regular
household work only. All the time she passed her life being terrified to revolt against this system of society.
These are the ordeals that Aunt Jennifer was surrounded by.

Q.11: When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

i) What was Aunt Jennifer mastered by?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer was mastered by her ordeals that surrounded her all the time in her life.
ii) Why will her terrified hands ringed with even after her death? `
Ans: Aunt Jennifer was a weak and timid lady. So, fear would not leave her even after her death and she
would still be ringed with her ordeals.
iii) Why has she created the tigers?
Ans: Aunt Jennifer created the tigers to satisfy her inner feelings which reminded her to go against the
dominating society and to give her courage.
iv)What will the tigers do?
Ans: The tigers will go on prancing, proud and unafraid even after the death of Aunt Jennifer.

Q.12: Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer.

Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are bright topaz denizens of a world of green. They have no fear for the men beneath
the tree. They go on prancing across the screen with sleek chivalric certainty.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:

Q1. ‘What knitting was to Aunt Jennifer; poetry was for Adrienne Rich’. Do you agree? Comment with
reference to the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.
Q2. Read the given quote. In your opinion, what silence does the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ break?
Every poem breaks a silence that had to be overcome. - Adrienne Rich
Q3. Would you say that the poem ends on a note of hope? Justify your opinion.
Q4. Read the given extract from an article published in The Independent:
“Turn your pain into art”: it’s a phrase most of us have heard before… The theory that achieving
something great requires suffering dates back to ancient times… Pain, however, is less an artistic necessity
and more a result of “contagion” – a term used for the spreading of a harmful idea or practice…In the
context of the struggling artist, it allows mental illness to fester; to be glamourised and admired; even
encouraged in the name of art. - Do you think Aunt Jennifer “turned her pain into art”? What kind of
“contagion” might her pain be a result of? - Evaluate Aunt Jennifer and her artistry in light of the above
extract.
Q5. Imagine that Aunt Jennifer read the poem that Adrienne Rich wrote about Every poem breaks a
silence that had to be overcome. - Adrienne Rich her. After much contemplation, she decided to write a
letter to her husband expressing her feelings and thoughts. Write the letter as Aunt Jennifer.

SHOULD MOMMY HIT WIZARD (PROSE)

1. Why did Jack agree to use Skunk as the hero in the story?

Ans: Jo had heard about this new animal at school and so Jack agreed to use Skunk as the hero of the story.
Moreover, Jack had no idea about the animal upon which he would base his story. So, Jo’s suggestion of a new
animal could work as a fresh hero.

2. Why did Jack feel irritate at his daughter?

Ans: Jack felt irritated with his daughter because of her constant interruptions. He wanted to tell her something
important and thus wanted her to hang on to his words. Jack did not like Jo protest against his ending even after
the completion of his story. He did not want to change the ending of the story. Further, Jo did not fall asleep
despite listening to the whole story.

3. Why did Jo feel that the Skunk’s mommy was stupid?

Ans: Jo felt that the Skunk’s mommy was stupid because Jo thought that the mother Skunk was gravely wrong
in getting Roger’s original smell back. After Roger began to smell roses, he was happily accepted by his
playmates and according to Jo, there was no need for him to smell awful again.
4. Why does Jack insist that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother?

Ans: Roger Skunk’s devotion and obedience to his mother is a reflection of Jack’s own self. This is what his
hero Roger Skunk does when he accepts his mother’s command. Jack believes that parents are always right and
must be given unconditional love and respect. Jack further believes that the mother was eventually proved right
because all the animals accept Roger heartily, with his distinct identity and his original smell.

5. Having got rid of his stink, what problem did Roger Skunk face?

Ans: After having got rid of his stink, Roger Skunk did not have the required seven pennies to pay the wizard as
fee. He had only four pennies and so when the wizard demanded seven pennies, Roger Skunk was faced with
another problem. In addition, he also had to face his mother’s anger at his changed smell.

6. Why does Jo insist that her father should tell her the story with a different ending?

Ans: Jo, being a child failed to accept the harsh realities of life. According to her, Roger Skunk was happy with
the smell of roses. she didn’t want him to smell bad. She was used to stories that ended happily. That was why
she insisted that her father should tell the story in which the wizard hit Mommy Skunk back and did not reverse
Roger’s smell back, so that he could happily play with his friends.

7. What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most and why?

Ans: Jack enjoyed the part of the story most when he had to speak in the wizard’s voice, as it was one of Jack’s
own favourite effects. He did it by squeezing up his face and somehow whining through his eyes. He felt being
an old man suited him. Besides, he also enjoyed telling the story when Jo listened carefully, without interrupting
him with questions.

8. What is your stance regarding the two ending to the Roger Skunk Story?
OR
Why does Jack consider himself caught in the ugly middle position?

Ans: One ending presents an adult’s point of view. According to this ending, Mommy goes to the wizard and
hits him on the head with her umbrella. The gentle wizard says nothing and makes Roger Skunk smell very bad
again. The second ending presents a four-year-old child’s point of view. Jo thinks that the wizard should have
hit that mommy. She finds no reason why Mommy should have hit the wizard. But Jack does not want the child
to form a negative opinion of a mommy. He wants her to form the idea that a mommy ought to be loved and
respected by the child. So he insists that Mommy was right. Only parents know what is best for their kids. The
child was also right form her point of view. Roger Skunk himself desired to make him smell like roses. So it was
not the wizard’s fault at all. That is why she demands that the wizard should hit back mommy. Jack feels himself
caught in an ugly middle position.

9. Frustrations faced by adults and their personal experiences often intrude upon their interaction with
their children. Elaborate in the light of the story, “Should Wizard Hit Mommy?”
Ans: The story ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy’?’ is a story in which the main protagonist’s personal frustrations
and experiences inform and infuse the story he tells. The story is of Roger skunk who smelt so bad that his friends
reject him. While narrating this bit of the story, the author says Jack remembers ‘certain humiliations of his own
childhood’. so it can be inferred that the story was one of his own childhood. He too could have been rejected
by his friends which children take seriously. He would have sought help to remove these differences but his
mother would have told him not to do so since it was a major part of his identity. Every writer takes inspiration
form their own experiences. Jack was not an exemption. The interaction of parents with their children are very
often tempered by their moods and frustrations and children are sometimes not properly understood.

10. What impression do you form of Jack as a father?

Ans: Jack is a loving father and is keen on telling stories to his daughter, Jo, in spite of not being a good story
teller. In fact, the stories that he tells revolves round a single thread and plot - only the characters and situations
change. His purpose is simply to amuse the child and not to teach any moral. But one day he is caught in a
peculiar situation. In the story the mommy skunk hits the wizard and Jo thinks that the wizard should hit back
mommy. Now Jack cannot make the wizard hit back mommy. Jack has no logic for his assertion but he cannot
accept the opposite view also. Like all elders, he wants the youngsters to look upon their elders with respect. As
a father he wants his daughter to respect elders. As a story teller Jack is caught on the wrong foot. As a father, a
just ending is not acceptable to him. Jack, the father knows very well that ending the story the way Jo wants will
not morally serve the purpose.
EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT:
Q1. How did Jack end the Roger Skunk story? How and why did Jo want to change it?
Q2. What is the moral issue that the story raises?
Q3. How does Jo want the story to end and why?
Q4. What impression do you form of Jack as a father?
Q5. Roger Skunk’s mother finds the smell of roses detestable on Roger, implying that he should accept
himself as he is. Adults as well as young people are often misjudging issues, people and circumstances
based on appearance. Is an obsession for disappearance us to appreciate our true selves? Explain.
Q6. Why is an adult’s perspective on life different from that of a child?

On The Face of It (Susan Hill)

1.Who is Derry?

Ans. Derry is a fourteen years old boy. One side of his face is burnt due to spilling of acid. He avoids people. He
thinks that people talk about him, feel pity for him and some are scarred of him.

2.Who is Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Mr. Lamb is an old man. One of his legs was blown off in war. So, he has a tin leg. He lives all alone in his
house. He has a garden where he remains busy the whole day. People have spread many stories about him.

3.What physical impairment is Mr. Lamb suffering from?

Ans. Mr. Lamb is retired from the army. In a war, he lost one of his legs. In its place, there is a tin leg now.
Because of it, kids call him ‘Lamey Lamb’. But it doesn’t trouble him.

4.Why does Derry come to Mr. Lamb’s Garden?

Ans. Derry has a burnt face. So, he avoids people and wants to stay alone. In order to find a secluded place, he
jumps a wall to enter Mr. Lamb’s Garden. He thinks the garden is empty.

5.What surprised Derry when he entered the garden?

Ans. Derry thought that the garden he entered was empty. When Mr. Lamb spoke to him, he became surprised.
Mr. Lamb was friendly in approach. He only told Derry to mind the crab apples.

6.What happens at the end?

Ans. While picking apples with the help of a stick, suddenly the ladder falls back and Mr. Lamb dies falling on
the ground. Derry comes and finds him dead. He weeps.

7.Will Derry go back to his old loneliness again?

Ans. The short meeting of Derry with Mr. Lamb boosted self confidence in Derry. He realized that life is
beautiful; whatever God has created is beautiful. His whole perspective of life changed. So, definitely, Derry
will not go back to his old loneliness again.

8.When can readers realize about Mr. Lamb’s loneliness?

Ans. Mr.Lamb says that he likes to talk and have company. The gate is always kept open for kids and anyone
who wants to come to his garden. At the end of the first scene, when Derry leaves the garden promising to come
back, Mr. Lamb displays his loneliness and disappointment saying, “ I’ll come back. They never do, though. Not
them. Never do come back.”

9. What are the ways in which Mr. Lamb wants to overcome his loneliness?

Ans. Mr. Lamb likes gardening. He looks after everything in his garden. He likes listening to the sounds in the
garden, makes jelly using crab apples and makes toffees with honey for kids. He sits in the sun and reads books.

10.Why didn’t Mr. Lamb put any curtain at the windows?

Ans. Mr. Lamb wasn’t fond of curtains shutting things out and shutting things in. He liked light and darkness
alike. He wanted to hear the wind.
11.“That’d do you more harm than any bottle of acid. Acid only burns your face.” Who says this and in
what context?

Ans. Derry says that he hates some people as they hate him and they talk about him. According to Mr. Lamb,
hating someone is more harmful than a bottle of acid. Acid may burn a face but hatred can burn a person away
inside.

12.How do people react to Derry’s face?

Ans. Derry says that people stare at him. They are afraid of him, they avoid him. Some sympathize with him.
Once, he heard two women talking about his ugly face. Derry doesn’t like being near people.

13. “The world has got a whole face, and the world’s there to be looked at.” How does the statement reflect
Mr. Lamb’s state of mind and how does this help in changing Derry’s outlook to life?

Ans. The statement reflects Mr. Lamb’s positive attitude. Everything should be accepted courageously. We must
enjoy the beauty of this life interacting with people. Derry’s attitude is changed meeting Mr. Lamb. He
overcomes his low self-esteem.

14. How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy when it is a bit cool?

Ans. Mr. Lamb takes a ladder and a stick and pulls down the crab apples to make jelly.

15. Why did Mr. Lamb help Derry?

Ans. Mr. Lamb himself was physically impaired. So, he could understand the difficulties of Derry. He was an
optimist who was also kind hearted. He wanted to change Derry’s perspective of life.

16. What kind of a garden does Mr. Lamb have?

Ans. Mr. Lamb has a garden where he plants flower plants and weeds alike. He has beehives in the garden. He
has an orchard full of fruit trees. He likes his garden because he remains busy there and children come there to
play.

17. What is Derry’s attitude towards Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Initially, considering Mr. Lamb to be like other people, Derry wants to go from the garden. But hearing Mr.
Lamb and his inspiring words, Derry is influenced. He starts respecting and liking Mr. Lamb. He feels that unlike
other people, this man does not pity him and welcomes him in his garden. Mr. Lamb helps Derry love his life in
spite of the odds in his life.

18.What benefits did Derry reap from his association with Mr. Lamb?
Ans. Derek (Derry), the fourteen years old boy was conscious of his ugly face and so he wanted to remain alone.
He felt that people either ridiculed or pitied him. So, he developed a negative attitude towards life. But his brief
association with Mr. Lamb inspired him to live life as it came. Mr. Lamb said that he had two ears, two eyes,
two arms, two legs, a tongue and a brain like all the rest and if he chose, he could do better than all the rest.

19. How does Mr. Lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?

Ans. Mr. Lamb tells Derry that like others, he has two eyes, two ears, two legs, two arms, the brain and the
tongue. He can achieve whatever he likes, like all the rest. He can even get better than the rest. Nothing in this
world is worthless. Even weeds have their own value.

20. What qualities of Mr. Lamb attracted Derry to him?

Ans. Mr. Lamb was a very optimistic person. He was a man full of life. His physical impairment and people’s
humiliating remarks could not break him down. His friendly nature and undying optimism drew Derry towards
him.

21. What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Though they had lived there for only three months, Derry’s mother did not have a good impression about
Mr. Lamb. She claimed to have heard not really good things about him. She said that she had been warned by
people about Mr. Lamb. So, she tried to hold him back.

22. Why does Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open?

Ans. Mr. Lamb leaves his gate always open because everyone is welcomed to his garden. He does not mind
strangers entering his garden or the house. He likes everything created by the God and probably he is not afraid
of anything.

23. Why does Derry tell Mr. Lamb that he is afraid of seeing himself in the mirror in the story ‘On the
Face of It’?

Ans. Derry is a boy of fourteen. He has a burnt scar on his face which makes him feel very low. He is scared of
looking himself in the mirror. He thinks that no one loves him. He has become highly pessimistic.

24. What peculiar things does Derry notice about the old man, Lamb?

Ans. Derry thinks that Mr. Lamb is a peculiar person. Mr. lamb talks about friends but he has not seen anyone
visiting him. Mr. Lamb is even not able to give him any name of his friends. The man always keeps his garden
gate open. There are no curtains at the windows in his house. He likes light and darkness alike. He grows weeds.
He hears the wind and humming of the bees. He likes everything created by the God. Derry has never heard such
kind of peculiar things that Mr. Lamb says.

25.How did Derry’s handicap damage his life?

Ans. Derry suffered from a severe lack of self-esteem because of his acid burnt face. His physical impairment
and people’s humiliating remarks made him feel low. He disliked being in the company of people. He became a
loner. He believed that he was too unattractive to be appreciated or loved by anyone.

26.Why does Derry’s mother not want him to go back to visit Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Though they have lived there for only three months, Derry’s mother has heard many things about Mr. Lamb.
She thinks that he is not a good person. So, she asks Derry not to go back to visit Mr. Lamb.

27.What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb in spite of his not liking people’s company?

Ans. Mr. Lamb is lame and lonely. But he has positive outlook towards life. He speaks to Derry in a way nobody
has ever done. Derry finds that he is not afraid of Derry’s burnt face. The man is interested in everything created
by the God. Flowers and weeds both are plants and Mr. Lamb has planted both in his garden. He speaks words
of hope and optimism. Derry is influenced hearing Mr. Lamb, seeing his life style and friendliness.

28. How did Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry become a turning point in Derry’s life?

Ans. The meeting of Derry with Mr. Lamb proved to be a turning point in his life. Derry came into the garden
thinking that no one was in the garden. When he heard the voice of Mr. Lamb, he wanted to run away from there.
But Mr. Lamb said that he was most welcomed in the garden. They had heart to heart talk. Mr. Lamb startled
Derry explaining about his approach towards life. He said that everything created by the God interested him.
People would say the bees buzz but according to him, they hum. Derry had two legs, two eyes, two ears and two
hands. He could do anything in life. After the meeting, Derry’s life had a new meaning and purpose. It happened
because of the motivating and encouraging words of Mr. Lamb.

29. How did Mr. Lamb try to give courage and confidence to Derry?

Ans. Derry, a fourteen years old boy suffered from acute sense of rejection. He developed a sense of self- hatred
because of his ugly look. He felt that no one loved him. Mr. Lamb becomes very sad seeing how a young boy
was giving up on life because of his physical disability. His encouraging words had magical effect on the young
boy. Mr. Lamb said that the idea of beauty is relative. He was interested in anything and everything created by
the God. Mr. Lamb’s concept of the world, people and friendship appealed Derry so much that gradually he
started to change his perspective of life.

30. Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical impairment, but much more painful for them is the
feeling of loneliness. Comment.

Ans. The society must understand and support people with physical impairment. If a person is constantly
reminded of his infirmities, he will be in great mental pain and distress. The mental pain is acute and much more
than the physical pain. In the story ‘On the Face of It’, we see that both Derry and Mr. Lamb suffer from a sense
of loneliness. People look at Derry with awe. Some would show sympathy towards him. Once one woman said,
“That is a face only a mother could love.” Even his mother would not kiss on the burnt side of his face. Derry is
deeply hurt seeing people’s reactions. He wants to run away from his house. The other character Mr. Lamb has
lost one of his legs due to bomb blast. Nobody ever comes to meet him. Children mockingly call him ‘Lamey
Lamb’. For both the characters, more painful is the feeling of loneliness. Mr. Lamb has found out various ways
to overcome his loneliness.

31. Who was Mr. Lamb? How did he make Derry gain confidence and come out of his shell?

Ans. Mr. Lamb was an old man. One of his legs had been blown off in war. So, he had a tin leg. He lived all
alone in his house. Whole day, he remained busy in his garden. He was a man full of optimism.
The inspiring and motivating words of Mr. Lamb had great effect on Derry. His peculiar way of looking at life
made Derry fascinated. He started talking to Mr. Lamb freely without hesitation. Mr. Lamb liked anything and
everything created by the God. He grew weeds in his garden. Everything created by the God has its value. For
others, bees buzz but for Mr. Lamb, bees hum. He did not mind strangers entering his garden. Mr. Lamb’s
undying optimism and ever friendly attitude made Derry gain confidence and come out of his shell.

32. Derry and Mr. Lamb both are victims of physical impairment, but their attitudes towards life are
completely different. Elaborate.

Ans. Mr. Lamb and Derry both are handicapped. Mr. Lamb has a tin leg and Derry has a deformed face due to
spilling of acid. But they differ in their attitude to life. Derry does not like people’s reactions and so withdraws
and keeps himself isolated. He has become highly pessimistic. He feels that even his mother does not love him
truly. On the other hand, Mr. Lamb is not much affected by his handicap. He is full of positivism. He spends his
time fruitfully doing reading and gardening. He accepts everything as it comes. Though both Derry and Mr.
Lamb are in contrast to each other, Mr. Lamb inspires Derry and changes his attitude towards life.

33. Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden?

Ans. Mr. Lamb is an old man who lives in his garden home alone. He is having a tin leg as the real one got
blown off years back in the war. Derry climbs over the boundary wall of Lamb’s Garden in search of an isolated
place.

34. Do you think Derry’s attitude towards Mr. Lamb changes?

Ans. Derry is a 14 years old young boy with acid burn scars on one side of his face. He avoids people thinking
that people either makes fun of him or are afraid of him. Lamb with his optimism changes Derry’s way of
thinking. Derry begins to appreciate Lamb.

35. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Mr. Lamb talks to Derry in a very friendly way. He doesn’t show his curiosity or disgust regarding Derry’s
burnt face. He tells Derry how he is living his life to the fullest in spite of his disability. Through his long
conversation, he builds up the boy’s confidence.

36. In which section of the play does Mr. Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment? What are
the ways in which Mr. Lamb tries to overcome these feelings?
Ans. At one point Mr. Lamb says that they all promise to come back but none really does so. This makes us feel
about his loneliness and disappointment. He overcomes these feelings in the following ways-
• Keeps the gate open for everyone
• The house is without curtains
• Looks upon everyone as his friend
• Makes toffees for children
• Plucks wild sour apples to make jam, looks after the bee-hives
• Enjoys the humming of bees

37. Will Derry get back his old seclusion or will Lamb’s brief association effect a change in the kind of life
he will lead in the future?

Ans. Derry will surely lead his life in a new way. Lamb’s brief association has built up confidence in him. He
has learnt from Lamb how to live life in spite of his problems.

(Additional)

Q.1. What is Lamb’s attitude towards people and plants?

Ans. Lamb is interested in everybody and everything created by the God. He finds no difference between weeds
and flower plants because both are creations of the God and have life.

Q.2. How does Lamb meet his end?

Ans. Lamb looks after everything in the garden alone. He plucks apples and makes jam. He uses a ladder to
pluck apples. Once a branch shifts and creaks. The ladder falls back along with Lamb. Lamb dies.

Q.3.What did Derry’s mother think of Mr Lamb?

Ans: Derry’s mother thought that Mr Lamb was a worthless person. She said that Lamb’s all talk was nothing
but nonsense. She did not want Derry to go to him.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT

Q1. Derry mentions two kinds of responses people often have to justify misfortune, one “‘Look at all those
people who are in pain and brave and never cry and never complain and don’t feel sorry for themselves”;
and secondly, “think of all those people worse off than you.” Far from comforting him, these empty words
only agitate him. In both cases, one’s sense of self is derived from others and how they live their lives.
a) How far might looking at others itself be the cause of suffering?
b) In what way can people, especially children, be empowered to face their challenges without the spectre
of comparison?
Q2. Imagine that the encounter with Mr. Lamb marked a turning point in Derry’s life. Many years later,
Derry is invited to present a TED Talk on the challenges he faced and overcame. He thinks about the
bitterness he carried earlier towards people and the world, and how his attitude changed. He decides to
speak about the transformation in his relationship with himself, and understanding what kindness
towards oneself might actually means. He agrees to weave his speech on ‘Not the face of a victim’. As
Derry, create the speech draft for the TED Talk.
Q3. In today’s world, the mantra for success is considered to be the ability to think out of the box. At the
same time, as in the play, acceptance is difficult for those who are different. As Derry says, “After I’d
come home, one person said, “He’d have been better off stopping in there. In the hospital. He’d be better
off with others like himself.” How would you reconcile both these ideas, of a demand for difference, on
one hand, and a need to isolate difference on the other hand

EVANS TRIES O LEVEL (PROSE)

1.It was important that the recaptured Evans keep up the facade till the very last moment of his interaction
with the Governor. Support this statement with a rationale.

Ans.: Evans already had a well thought out plan B in case his initial plan failed. When the Governor recaptured
Evans, it was important for Evans to show that his initial plan has failed and he was feeling trapped. This ensured
the Governor that he was in his clutches and the Governor became a bit casual. This casualness made the
Governor hand him over to the silent prison officer. The Governor was unaware that the officer as well as the
driver of prison van were actually Evans’s accomplices. As Evans finally escaped, he had the last laugh at the
Governor.

2.What was his German teacher’s opinion of Evans proficiency in German?

Ans.: The German teacher did not have a good opinion about Evans’s proficiency in German. He was doubtful
about whether he would pass the exam as Evans could not understand even the basic pleasantries in German. So,
the teacher was doubtful of Evans’s language ability.

3. Which important call did the Governor receive when the examination was going on?
Ans. The important call that the Governor received was from the Exam Department. The person said that there
were some corrections in the question paper and told the Governor about the said corrections. Besides, the caller
also asked for the time when the exam started.

4.What could the Governor have done to securely bring Evans back to the prison from the ‘Golden Lion’?

Ans. The Governor, instead of sending Evans with other officers in some other car, could have got Evans back
with himself in his own car or should have sat in the van in which Evans was supposed to go. This way, he could
have known that the people in the van were not his men but Evans’s accomplices.

5.What request did the Secretary of the Examination Board receive from the Governor of Oxford Prison?

Ans. The request was to create an examination centre in the prison for one candidate named James Roderick
Evans. He had started night classes in O-Level German last September. He was the only one in the class and said
that he was keen to get some sort of academic qualification. The Secretary agreed to give him a chance and
promised to send all the forms and stuff.

6.What facts about Evans did the Governor of Oxford Prison not reveal to the Secretary of the
Examination Board?

Ans. Evans was called ‘Evans the Break’ by the prison officers. He had escaped from prison three times already.
He would have done so from Oxford Prison as well if there had not been unrest in the maximum-security
establishments up north.

7.Who visited Evans on the morning of the Examination? What did they visit him for?

Ans. Mr Jackson and Mr Stephens visited Evans. Jackson was the senior prison officer on D Wing and Stephens
was a burly, surly-looking, new recruit. They visited him to ensure that he did not retain any potential weapon
with him. Mr Stephens was asked to take away the razor after Evans had shaved himself.

8.What evidence do you get from the text to show that Mr Jackson and Evans “had already become warm
enemies”?

Ans. Jackson nodded curtly. He addressed Evans as “little Einstein” and mockingly enquired about him. He felt
annoyed as Evans pointed out his ignorance about Einstein. Jackson genuinely loathed about the long, wavy hair
of Evans. He had taken away the nail-scissors and nail-file of Evans. He used the word ‘bloody’ too often while
addressing Evans.

9. What was the object found in McLeery’s suitcase that puzzled Mr Jackson? How did McLeery react
to Mr Jackson’s query?

Ans. There was a smallish semi-inflated rubber ring. Even a young child with a waist of about twelve inches
might have to struggle into it. Jackson asked McLeery if he was thinking of going for a swim. McLeery’s amiable
demeanour was slightly ruffled by this tasteless pleasantry. He answered Jackson somewhat sourly and told him
he suffered from piles.

11. What was the importance of the two-phone calling the Governor received after a quarter of an hour
of the start of the examination?

Ans. The first phone call was from the Assistant Secretary of the Examination Board. It was about a correction
slip in the O-Level German paper. The word ‘Golden Lion’ was to replace ‘Golden Lowe’. The second call was
from the Magistrate’s Court. They needed a prison van and a couple of prison officers for a remand case.

12. Who was the phone call three minutes before the end of the examination meant for? How important
did it prove?

Ans. The phone call was meant for Stephens. Jackson told him that the Governor wanted to speak to him.
Stephens listened to the rapidly spoken orders. The phone call was important. Stephens had to accompany
McLeery to the main prison gates. He was to see the door locked on Evans after McLeery had left the cell. It
was also important for Evans. He could make swift changes and adjustments, in his dress and make-up.

13. What conclusion did the Governor arrive at after reading the German text on the question paper?

Ans. The text advised Evans to drive to the Headington roundabout from Elsfield Way. The Examinations Board
was in Elsfield Way. Someone from the Board must have been involved in the escape plan from the very
beginning. It was clear from the question paper and the correction slip.

14. What truth did the enquiries about injured “McLeery” from (i) Carter and (ii) the Radcliffe reveal?

Ans. Carter said that he was in the Radcliffe. He was really groggy near the Examination offices. They rang for
the ambulance from there. The accident department of the Radcliffe informed him that there was no parson
named McLeery there. They had sent an ambulance to Elsfield Way, but the fellow had vanished from there by
then.

15. What sort of hair did Evans have? How then did he personate McLeery?

Ans. Evans had long, wavy hair, whereas the hair of McLeery had been amateurishly clipped pretty closely to
the scalp. Jackson had pinched Evans’s scissors. So, he had to remove his hair off his head with his only razor.
Then he kept his head covered with a bobble hat to prevent detection.

16. What two purposes did the correction slip serve? Which of them did Evans consider more important?

Ans. The correction slip provided Evans the name of the hotel and its location. Secondly, it contained the exact
time the exam started. The really important thing for Evans was that the phone rang just before the exam finished.
Thus, he was able to get the prison officers out of the way for a couple of minutes.

17. “Tell me one thing before we go. How on earth did you get all that blood to pour over your head?”
asks the Governor. How does Evans react to this question?

Ans. Evans looked a little happier. He said it was very clever to get a couple of pints of blood into a cell. There
was none there to start off with. The “invigilator” got searched before he came in. Evans refused to disclose it
as he might use that trick again. Governor then enquired if it was anything to do with a little rubber ring for
piles. Evans grinned and asked if it wasn’t clever.

18.Do you think Evans’ statement, ‘I may surprise everybody,” has some special significance?

Ans. Evans seems to be telling his teacher that he may surprise everybody by doing well in the exam, but in
reality, it is a forewarning that he is going to jolt everybody by his master-minded perfect escape-plan.

19.What made Evans clip his hair short?

Ans. Evans’ escape prison-- duplicate McLeery (invigilate during the O-level German exam) had short hair. In
order to give a practical shape to their plan Evans’ hair had to look like McLeery’s, hence Evans clipped them
short.

20. Why did the Governor instruct Jackson to search McLeery?

Ans. The Governor asked Jackson to search McLeery, the invigilator, just in case he has brought something
unwittingly which might prove to be a weapon that Evans could use and try escaping from prison.

21. In spite of strict vigilance, how did Evans’ friend manage to give the material for disguise in the cell?

Ans. Despite all vigilance, Evans’ friend disguised as McLeery, the invigilator, managed to smuggle the
disguised material into the cell. He came wearing two parson’s dresses with black fronts and collars. Apart from
it he also brought an extra pair of spectacles. All this was passed on to Evans when Stephens’ vigilant eyes were
away from the peep-hole.

22. What purpose did the question paper and the correction slip serve? How did they help both the
criminals and the Governor?

Ans. The question paper serves to send a message to Evans. McLeery draws the Governor’s attention to the
photocopied sheet superimposed over the last sheet of the question paper. It contains a message for Evans. He
has been asked to follow the plan. The most important point in time, according to the message is three minutes
before the end of the examination. The Governor is unable to decipher the next line of the German text. Then,
Evans has been asked not to hit McLeery too hard and not to overdo the Scots accent. The correction slip plays
a crucial role in the plan of Evans’s escape. It kills two birds with one stone. At first, they had not been able to
fix up a hotel. The correction slip gives Evans the name of the hotel where he is to stay. Secondly, it gives them
the opportunity to know the time when the examination started.

23. How was the ‘injured’ McLeery able to befool the prison officers?

Ans All precautions had been taken for the smooth conduct of the O-level German examination. No one wanted
to take chances with ‘Evans the Breaker’. He had already escaped from prison three times. The Governor had to
make an unusual request to the Board to conduct the examination in the cell itself. One of the persons from St.
Mary Mag was to invigilate. The senior prison officer Jackson and prison officer Stephens left no stone un turned
to make all the necessary arrangements. Evans’s razor and nail scissors were taken away as they could be used
for cutting his throat or injuring McLeery. Jackson took two hours to search his cell and reported that nothing
was hidden there. But Evans disturbed all his plans. He managed to procure a false beard, a pair of spectacles, a
dog collar and some sort of weapon in his cell through the false McLeery. Actually, he had managed to keep the
real McLeery securely bound and gagged in his study at Board Street. He had been there since 8:15 a.m. This
meant that McLeery never went to prison. Secondly, it was Evans who impersonated McLeery and stayed in the
cell. Stephens made a hasty conclusion that the injured man in the chair was McLeery. The last act of folly on
the part of the Governor was enough to let Evans slip out of his net. Thus, this was how the ‘injured’ McLeery
was able to befool the prison officers and Evans was able to escape.

24. Describe three tricks used by Evans to escape from the prison.
Ans: Evans, the habitual jail-breaker outwits everyone and in spite of all the precautions taken by the Governor,
he is able to escape from the prison. From the very beginning, when the German teacher enters the prison to the
last encounter between the Governor and Evans in the hotel, the latter outsmarts them at each stage and proves
that they are no match for his crafty scheming. Evans carries out all his plans ‘right under their noses’, turning
the tables on them, making the prison authorities appear as ‘good for nothing’ officers. For example, he knew
that Mr. Jackson who used a rough tone had some compassion in him. He granted Evans’s request to keep the
filthy looking red and white bobble hat on his head during the examination. The hat was actually to hide his
recently cropped hair. Also, he knew that prison officers will blindly go by assumption. He pretended to pose as
‘injured’ McLeery in the cell. No one checked the identity of ‘injured’ McLeery as it was assumed that Evans
had hit McLeery and escaped. In fact, Evans is actually, officially escorted out of jail by the prison official
themselves. Finally at the hotel, when the Governor feels that he has been able to nab Evans, he dodges him and
slips away.

25. Should criminals in prison be given the opportunity of learning and education? Give reasons in
support of your answer.

Ans. Modern prisons are no longer the dark dungeons of the Middle Ages where even the rays of the sun could
not penetrate. Human rights are observed scrupulously in all civilised countries even in jails. These prisons are
gradually becoming reform houses. Under the prevailing conditions criminals are given the opportunity of self
improvement. Provision is made for learning and education. The light of knowledge, it is hoped, will reform the
criminals, change their thoughts and make them responsible citizens. They will join the mainstream, give up
crime and contribute to the well-being of society and nation. Instead of physical torture and mental agony, love
and sympathy be used to transform the bitterness, cruelty and evil bent of mind. Let us hate sin and crime, not
the sinner and criminals. Hence, the criminals should be given opportunity of learning and education in prison.

26.What lapses on the part of the police and prison authorities helped Evans to escape from the prison?

Ans. In spite of elaborate precautions and careful arrangements, Evans succeeds in slipping away. Certain lapses
on the part of the police and prison authorities contribute to it. The Governor, who smells a rat in every call and
tries to cross check it, fails at vital moments. For example, no one tries to verify the identity of the German
teacher, the invigilator, the “injured” McLeery, the driver of prison-van and the “silent” prison officer who
handcuffs Evans at the Golden Lion hotel. Sometimes, appearance—the outward form and dress— deceives as
it is accepted to be genuine. The criminals impersonate even the prison officer and driver. The Detective
Superintendent too acts hastily. He does not drive to the Rad- cliffe and get the “injured” McLeery admitted
there. This provides him God-sent opportunity to disappear. The greatest lapse is on the part of the Governor
who nabs Evans at Golden Lion hotel and fails to bring him to jail as he gets tricked by the prison-van, “silent”
prison officer and driver. Had he waited for police escort, Evans would not have escaped yet again.

26.Using examples from the play ‘‘Evans Tries An 0-Level’ show how the criminals like Evans turn the
tables on the Governor of Oxford Prison and the local police.

Ans. Evans is familiar with the methods of the prison authorities and he anticipates all their moves. Hence, in
the battle of wits between himself and the official machinery he employs tricks unknown to them. The new
German teacher and the replaced invigilator are merely stooges of Evans. Carrying blood in a rubber ring for
piles is a novelty. The device of the correction slips to fix the hide out and the route to it is another piece of
ingenuity. The master-stroke is when Evans’s impersonating wounded “McLeery” stays in prison and
misguides the police to trace the parson. The use of modem devices such as prison-van, car, telephone,
Ordnance Survey Map for Oxfordshire etc. shows how the criminals can misuse these facilities for their own
ends. The whole operation is run by someone in the Examination Board who remains unknown till the end. It
is well-planned and skilfully executed escape using the prison-van and prison staff.

27.Why did the prison officers call Evans, ‘Evans the Break’?

Ans. Evans was also known as ‘Evans the Break’, as he had run away thrice from the jail. He was considered a
pleasant sort of a chap by the prison authorities. He was good at imitations but was a congenital kleptomaniac.
He wanted to sit for examination so as to use the opportunity to escape from the prison.

28. Why was Evans not ready to remove his hat?

OR
Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so?

Ans. Evans did not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so because he had a plan in his mind. Evans
had long wavy hair. He had decided to crop them short so as to impersonate McLeery. But this would have been
evident if he had taken off his bobble hat. So, he took permission from Jackson to keep his hat on while appearing
for the exam on the pretext that it was his lucky charm.

29. How did the Governor, Oxford Prison describe Evans to the Secretary Examination Board
OR
What impression of Evans did the Governor give to the Secretary of the Examination Board ?
OR
What opinion of Evans did the prison authorities convey to the Secretary, Education Board?

Ans.: The Governor gave quite a satisfactory report about Evans to the Secretary of the Board. It was stated that
Evans had no record of violence and he was quite a ‘pleasant sort of chap’. Evans was one of the stars at the
Christmas concert but he suffered from a weakness. He was a congenital kleptomaniac. On the other hand, he
was good at imitations.

30. What were the contents of the small brown suitcase that McLeery carried?

Ans. McLeery’s small brown suitcase contained a sealed question-paper envelope, a yellow invigilation form,
a special ‘authentication’ card from the examination board, a paper knife, a Bible and a semi–inflated rubber
tube.

31. How does Evans escape from jail?

Ans. Evans decided to appear for the O–level German Examination. When the examination was conducted, one
of his accomplices came as the invigilator, McLeery. After the exam, Evans walked out a free man disguised as
the examiner McLeery.
32. How did the Governor find out where Evans was?

Ans. The Governor came to know where Evans was when he read the note in German on the question paper,
about index and centre number.

33. What enquiry did the Secretary of the Examination Board make about Evans? What did the
Governor tell him about Evans?

Ans. The Secretary wanted to know if Evans was a violent sort of person. The Governor told him that there was
no record of violence. He was informed that Evans was quite a pleasant fellow—an amusing person. He was
good at imitation and hence h star at the Christmas concert. He suffered from the desire to steal. He had this
disease from birth.

34. How was the Reverend Stuart McLeery dressed and why?

Ans. He had put on a long black overcoat and a shallow-crowned clerical hat. His spectacles had thick lenses. It
was a chilly day for early June and the steady drizzle, which had set in half an hour earlier still continued. In his
right hand he was carrying a small brown suitcase.

35. What were the contents of the small brown suitcase that McLeery carried?

Ans. It had a sealed question paper envelope, a yellow invigilation form, a special ‘authentication’ card from the
Examination Board, a paper knife, a Bible, and a current copy of ‘The Church Times’. Except the last two
articles, the rest were related to his morning duties as invigilator.

36. What did Stephen’s notice on looking through the peep-hole of Evans’ cell?

Ans. He found Evans sitting with his pen between his lips. He was staring straight in front of him towards the
door. Opposite him sat McLeery. His hair was amateurishly clipped pretty closely to the scalp. His eyes were
fixed at ‘The Church Times’. His right index finger was hooked beneath the narrow clerical collar. The fingers

37. Why was the Governor angry with Jackson?

Ans. Jackson had spent two hours in Evans’s cell the previous evening. He had confidently reported that there
was nothing hidden away there. Yet Evans had concealed a false beard, a pair of spectacles, a dogcollar and
other material of a priest. He also had a weapon with which he hit McLeery across the head.

38. Where did they find the Reverend S. McLeery and in what condition? What can you deduce from it?

Ans. A quarter of an hour later they found the Reverend S. McLeery in his study in Broad Street. He was bound
and gagged securely. He said that he had been there since 8.15 a.m. when two men had called and… It is obvious
that the two men were helpers of Evans and one of them acted as the Reverend S. McLeery during the Exam.

39. Jackson had thoroughly searched Evans’s cell for two hours the previous evening. How then was
Evans able to disguise himself as a parson?
Ans. Evans had really nothing hidden in the cell. It was McLeery who had worn two black fronts and two collars.
Evidently, Evans put on one set of these. He used the blanket to cover his act. The parson suddenly seemed to
have grown slimmer when he left the Oxford Prison.

40. “How did you know which Golden Lion it was? There’s imdreds of ’em,” said Evans. How did the
Governor of Oxford Prison locate the hiding place of Evans?

Ans. The Governor told Evans that he used the same method as Evans had done. The six-figure reference
313/271 was formed by two hints—Index number 313 and Centre number 271. If one takes an Ordnance Survey
Map for Oxfordshire, this number lands one bang in the middle of Chipping Norton.

41. Who, do you think, has the last laugh—the Governor or Evans? How?

Ans. The Governor is complacent that he has nabbed the runaway prisoner and soon the police van will land him
in prison. However, facts prove otherwise. As the van turns to the Oxford Road, the silent prison officer unlocks
the handcuffs and asks the driver to move on fast. The driver enquires in broad Scot’s accent where they should
make for. Evans suggests Newbury. It is crystal clear that the two persons are accomplices of Evans. He has
escaped from prison once again. Hence, it is Evans who has the last laugh.

42. What kind of a person was Evans?

Ans. Evans was a ‘Kleptomaniac’ and had broken jail thrice. He was a master planner and was very sociable. He
knew how to keep intimate contacts with people. In the words of the Governor, he was a pleasant sort of chap
with no record of violence.

43. Who were the two visitors Evans received in the morning of the day of his exam?

Ans. The two visitors --Mr. Jackson, the senior prison officer of the prison’s D Wing-- man called Stephens, who
had been only recently recruited.

44. Why did Evans drape a blanket round his shoulder? What did Stephens think about it?

Ans. In between intervals of Stephens’ peeping into the cell, Evans was changing into the Parson’s dress to look
like McLeery. So, in order to conceal his effort to keep them in place, Evans draped a blanket round his shoulder.
Stephens was misled into believing that Evans was feeling cold.

45. How did the mistakes committed by the prison authorities help Evans in escaping from the prison?

Ans. In spite of all the precautions taken by the Governor and his staff, they failed to foil Evans’s bid to escape
because of certain lapses on their part. First of all, they called a teacher from the technical college to act as
Evans’s German tutor, but never cared to check on him. Then, they engaged Reverend S. McLeery to invigilate,
but never cared to check on him when he came to discharge his duties. When Stephens raised an alarm, they
blindly went by his assumption that Evans impersonating as McLeery had walked out of the prison after injuring
McLeery. They did not even bother to check the identity of the injured McLeery. Then, McLeery gave them the
slip and disappeared. Belatedly, they discovered that it was Evans’s impersonating McLeery who had stayed in.
Finally, following the clues, the Governor nabs Evans at the Golden Lion Hotel. Here again, he acted foolishly.
He rang up the local police station and asked them to send a police van which successfully took Evans away
right from under his nose as no security check of the van was done.

46. Give a detailed account of the preparations made by the Governor for Evans James to write his
examination.

Ans. Evans, the prisoner was famous as ‘‘Evans the Breaker’’. So, the prison officers were quite alert while
conducting the O’ level exam and took all the precautions to prevent him from escaping. First of all, it was
requested that the board should conduct the exam in the cell itself and the request was accepted. Two prison
officers, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Stephens, were appointed to make all necessary arrangements. They took away
his razor as well as nail-scissors so that he could not use them for any type of injuries to McLeery, the invigilator.
The cell was searched for two hours and every objectionable thing was removed. Heavy security arrangements
were made in the cell. Stephens was given the charge of staying there all the time to keep an eye on Evans and
also to leave McLeery at the gate when the exam was over. The Governor was all the time in touch with the
officers so as to thwart any untoward incident. Hence, it was a foolproof plan on the part of the prison officials.
Even then, Evans had the last laugh and escaped from the prison.

47. What factors, other than friends, do you think, contributed to the success of the plan of the escape
devised by Evans?

Ans. Evans’s calm, pleasant, amusing temperament and his insight into the working of the minds of prison
authorities helped him a lot. He devised everything carefully and executed the plan skilfully. Every detail was
worked out beforehand. For example, he knew that Mr Jackson who used rough tone, had some compassion for
him deep inside. He granted Evans’s request to keep the filthy looking red and white bobble hat on his head
during the examination. It was, in fact, a device to hide his recently closely cropped hairs. Secondly, he knew
that the whole prison machinery blindly goes by assumption. He impersonated McLeery and posed to be injured.
No one checked the injured “McLeery”. The hasty conjecture was that Evans, impersonating McLeery, had hit
the parson and escaped. It prevailed. The police were after run away Evans while the real Evans left the prison
with the police as the only witness. He claimed to have seen Evans’s driving. When they reached Examination
Board he acted as if he was quite weak. The police officer phoned for an ambulance and left Evans there. He got
into the car his friends had kept for him and disappeared from the scene. Thus, his ingenuity, presence of mind
and theatricality also helped him.

48. What estimate do you form of the Governor of Oxford Prison?

OR
How far do you agree with the observation: “He was just another good-for-a-giggle, gullible governor,
that was all”?

Ans. The Governor was a fussy sort of person. He would carry things to the extreme and in his enthusiasm,
sometimes overdid them and ignored the obvious. His imagination seemed to run riot. He was apprehensive that
Evans might try to take advantage of the examination and escape. He was filled with doubts. Evans might take
advantage of the invigilator and hi-jack-knife him.The Governor wag duty-conscious. He did not run away from
responsibility. He listened- in to the conversation in the cell himself. In spite of all his virtues, the Governor had
a serious flaw. He was too credulous. He had full faith in his officers and the law-enforcing machinery. He
believed the injured “McLeery” and let him accompany Superintendent Carter to help him trace Evans. Actually,
he let Evans leave the prison.

The final act of foolishness was when he let Evans be carried in a prison-van, without sufficient police escort.
He had used his intelligence to locate the hide-out of Evans and nab him. His gullible nature deprived him of all
credit. In the end, he appeared as “another good-for-a-giggle, gullible governor.”

49.What impression do you form of ‘Evans the Break’?

OR
Attempt a brief character sketch of James Roderick Evans.

Ans. “Evans the Break” as he was known among the prison officers was a jail-bird. He was a congenital
kleptomaniac, but he was non-violent. He was quite a pleasant sort of person— an amusing chap; a star at the
Christmas concert good at imitations.

Evans had long wavy hair. When we meet him for the first time his face was unshaven and he wore a filthy
looking red and white bobble hat upon his head. He had tucked a grubby string-vest into equally grubby trousers.
He smiled cheerfully at the prison officers. “Evans is smart, cunning and resourceful. He makes a request to Mr
Jackson to allow him to put on his bobble hat. But he complains to the invigilator against Stephens. Stephens’
presence disturbs Evans’ concentration. He makes a very polite request to cover himself with blanket as it is
chilly. He uses it to put on the clerical collar and black front. He employs the brief absence of prison officers to
disguise himself as parson McLeery and spill blood on himself to look injured. He acts the part of injured parson
well. He offers to help police and wins their confidence. He becomes groggy and is left there to wait for
ambulance.
Evans enjoys the faith, support and active cooperation of his dedicated friends. They plan carefully, working out
the minute details and execute it skilfully. He never loses his calm or presence of mind even in the worst
circumstances.

50. Comment on the ending of the play ‘Evans Tries An O-Level’.

Ans. The ending of the play is quite surprising and unexpected. Only a couple of minutes ago the Governor of
Oxford Prison had nabbed Evans from his hide-out at the ‘Golden Lion’. A silent prison officer handcuffed the
recaptured Evans. Then the two men clambered awkwardly into the back seat of the prison-van.
The Governor bade him farewell but wished to see him soon in his jail. Evans too behaved as if he would remain
there for a long time and wanted to know about the O-Level Italian classes coming up next September. The
Governor remarked that perhaps Evans might not be with them then. Evans pondered over it and said that he
wouldn’t. After a couple of minutes Evans implemented what he had predicted. Not only were the handcuffs
unlocked, but the van moved on fast towards Newbury.

Evans is once again free. The broad Scots accent leaves us in no doubt who the driver was. Once again Evans
scores over the prison authorities.

EXTRA QUESTIONS TO ATTEMPT

Q1. Would you say that kindness is a weakness in a law enforcement officer? Support your opinion based
on your reading of the story ‘Evans Tries an OLevel’.

Q2. The story is a statement against rehabilitation of criminals. Do you agree? Justify your stance.

Q3. Would you call Evans the hero of the story? Justify your stance. iv Comment on the general absence
of women characters in the story.

Q4. After realizing that he had been outwitted once again, the dejected Governor goes home that night
contemplating his next move. While on one hand, he worries about the day’s humiliation, on the other, he
cannot but smile at the adventure it brought about. He decides to narrate the day’s events as a bedtime
story to his children.
• Do you think he would change the story in any way?
• Keeping in mind that it is a bedtime tale, what more could he add to the story, or take away from it?
• How might he generate sympathy for the police and prison authorities? ii ‘The story glosses over the
dark and violent side of prison life and the escape’. Comment on the given statement with reference to
your reading of the story.

Q5. Jackson goes back to his office and sits down to calculate his own role in Evans’ escape. He berates
himself, “Stephens is new to this, but I should have known better…” And at the same time, he tries to be
kind to himself, “But what more could I have done?”. Jackson feels caught between the two voices in his
head - the tough prison officer on one hand, and a compassionate person on the other. Compose Jackson’s
reflections in his diary in the form of a dialogue between these two versions of himself.